GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III has not changed and will not play in the team’s SEC opener against Texas A&M. He initially participated in early warmups wearing a sleeve on his left leg but did not take the field during the full team’s positional warmups.
The sophomore, who rushed for 141 yards and a touchdown against Samford, was listed as a game-time decision in Saturday’s pregame report after suffering a lower-body injury earlier this week. He had previously been listed as questionable all week.
With Wilson III out, Florida will rely on two freshmen in receivers Tank Hawkins and TJ Abrams, as well as veteran Marcus Burke, to ease the load. Additionally, Aidan Mizell is expected to get more playing time despite being listed as a backup slot receiver behind Chimere Dike.
Both Abrams and Mizell scored their first touchdowns last week against Samford.
“I mean, Aiden in particular has taken a big leap physically this offseason, and I think his ball skills and his running have improved,” Napier said Wednesday. “He’s always had the vertical part of his game. The other stuff has improved. There’s still light years to go. He’s got a lot of potential, but Tank has impressed me with his ability. I think he’s gotten better and he’s tough. He’s got some size and playmaking strength.”
Florida is already without 2023 starter Kahleil Jackson, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL before the Samford game, and Ja’Quavion Fraziars, who is recovering from a lower-body injury sustained in fall training camp.
However, Andy Jean returns to the Gators, making his first appearance this season after suffering an upper-body injury during fall training camp.
Florida’s game against Texas A&M begins at 3:30 p.m. and will be televised on ABC.
