WATCH: Graham Mertz connects with Eugene Wilson on long touchdown
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After a highlight play from five-star freshman D.J. Lagway, returning starter Graham Mertz made one of his own. Mertz found sophomore receiver Eugene Wilson who split the defense up the middle on the way to a 60-yard touchdown.
The score was the first touchdown for the blue team and made the score, 13-7 in favor of the blue squad. Wilson has put together a great spring camp. His 61 receptions in 2023 are the most by a freshman in program history. The Tampa native has been nearly uncoverable as he looks to take the next step following a Freshman All-SEC campaign in 2023.
Gator legend on Eugene Wilson
Wilson became the first Florida true freshman wide receiver to start a home opener and eclipse 500 yards in a season (538) since Antonio Callaway, who holds the UF freshman receiving record with 678 yards in 2015. In an exclusive interview with Gators Online’s Zach Abolverdi, former Florida receiver Jacquez Green raved about Wilson’s talent and potential.
“He showed me some things. I think he has the type of talent to be able to take the next step,” Green said of Wilson. “I think he has all the talent. He catches the ball well. He has good speed and can run the catch.
“And he appears smart. You know, you gotta be a smart kid to be able to come in and play as a freshman. And he was able to move around and do different things for the coaches to be able to get him the football.”
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) after a touchdown during the first half at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/04/13155133/Untitled-design-65-2.png)
