Expectations were high for Florida football sophomore wide receiver Eugene Wilson III when the season began last August.
Florida Gators coach Billy Napier proclaimed that UF was going to get “its money’s worth” out of the 5-foot-10, 181-pound Wilson after his dazzling, eight-catch, 128-yard performance in the spring game.
But a knee injury Wilson suffered at the end of UF’s second games of the season against Samford forced Wilson to sit out the next three games. Wilson has made six catches for 75 yards since his return two games ago but was targeted just one more time after making a 40-yard first quarter catch during UF’s 48-20 win over Kentucky.
Elijhah Badger (22 catches, 524 yards, 2 TDs) and Chimere Dike (21 catches, 420 yards, 3 TDs) have emerged as the primary targets in UF’s offense this season. But even after sitting out three games, Wilson still ranks third on UF in receiving with 19 catches for 266 yards and 1 TD.
“It’s unfortunate,” Napier said. “I think the injury bug is part of the game. We’ve got to — every team, I mean, you think about each team we’ve played, it’s more about the players that are available each week and what you do with that group.
“That’s when it’s hard, is when you’re getting into the middle of the week. You’re building the plan in early part of the week and you’re unsure who is available. I think we have done a good job adjusting in that regard, but that’s part of the equation.”
Wilson will get another chance to emerge as a playmaker on Saturday when Florida faces rival Georgia at EverBank in Jacksonville (3:30 p.m., ABC). An open week could be the tonic for Wilson as the speedy receiver nicknamed Tre tries to get back to full blast and gain more chemistry with new starting quarterback DJ Lagway. Wilson had one of his best games of the season as a freshman last year against Georgia with 11 catches for 75 yards and 1 TD.
“Tre is special,” Dike said. “He’s got an extreme ability to hit his top speed quick. He’s a dynamic playmaker. He is continuing to work, and he’s the same guy every single day in the facility. Just continuing to make plays.
“I’m excited that whenever he’s involved and he’s making plays that we’re definitely have a key to our offense that can really help us.”
Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football WR Eugene Wilson III could benefit from open week
