Eugene Wilson listed as starter, without injury designation on week 5 depth chart
Florida freshman wide receiver Eugene Wilson III has been listed as a starter on the Gators’ initial Week 5 depth chart, per UF beat writer Jacob Rudner.
Wilson injured his collarbone during Week 3’s 29-16 victory over Tennessee and has been sidelined ever since. Head coach Billy Napier updated Wison’s status at the time to reveal nothing long-term was expected.
“Tre is going to be fine. The x-ray was normal. I think he has a bruise of some — you know, but he wasn’t able to return. Just didn’t have the strength to return. He wanted to play, but I don’t think he was ready to play,” Napier said of Wilson’s status after the Tennessee game.
While he’s been sidelined for the better part of two weeks, he’s still Florida’s second-leading wideout with 12 receptions for 104 yards. His first touchdown remains to be seen as the 2023 season rolls on.
Prior to Florida, Wilson was a four-star prospect out of Gaither (FL) High School, per the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. He was the No. 106 player in the 2023 recruiting class, and No. 20 receiver.
Wilson missed part of his senior season in 2022 with a turf toe injury, but racked up 62 catches for 925 yards as a junior in 2021.
He’ll prove to be a do-it-all kind of player as he develops in his career as he’s already been utilized in the backfield and out wide in Napier’s offense. He’s even taken a snap as the wildcat quarterback and if healthy, proves to be one of the Gators’ best offensive weapons.
That’s not to be confused with the Kentucky Wildcats, who the Gators are set to play this weekend on the road in Lexington. After defeating Kentucky for 31 consecutive seasons, UK has defeated the Gators in three of the past five seasons — including the past two. You’d have to rewind the clock to the early 1950s to find a time when Kentucky held at least a three-game win streak over Florida.
The Gators won’t want to be on the wrong side of history, but Kentucky is a one-point betting favorite midway through game week. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon ET inside Kroger Field live on ESPN as Florida looks to jump out to a quick 2-0 against SEC East opponents this season.