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Dallas Wilson makes watch list for Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr08/26/25On3Keith
Dallas-Wilson-Florida-Gators
Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) looks on without a helmet during fall football practice at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, August 2, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]

It’s the season of watch lists and another Florida Gator on Tuesday made one. This time that player is true freshman receiver Dallas Wilson, who has been named to the watch list for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. It goes annually to college football’s most outstanding freshman player.

Big things are expected at UF for the 6-foot-3, 213-pound Wilson, who was a heralded 4-star recruit from Tampa Bay Tech (Fla.). Wilson arrived in Gainesville in January as the No. 8 receiver and No. 41 overall prospect nationally for the Rivals Industry Rankings after a stellar prep career.

At last check, Wilson was dealing with a lower-body injury that has kept him from practicing. He’s week-to-week. But once he is full go, though, we expect the 6-foot-3, 213-pound freshman to be a big part of the offense at the X position. The player at that spot typically is a deep threat with a combination of speed and strength who can beat press coverage. Wilson is the perfect fit for that role. A healthy Wilson is going to be a major weapon for quarterback DJ Lagway.

Dallas Wilson was the star of the spring game

Wilson opened eyes in the spring and finished the Orange & Blue Game with 10 receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns. His 10 catches set a new record, while his 195 receiving yards tied a school best for a spring game. After watching Wilson deliver that performance Gators head coach Billy Napier summed up what many at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium probably were thinking.

“I’d say that’s what a 5-star looks like,” Napier said.

Jayson Roberts wasn’t the least bit surprised by Wilson’s showing. After coaching Wilson for three seasons at Tampa Bay Tech (Fla.), Roberts has come to expect that level of excellence.

“The only thing that would have surprised me is if he did absolutely nothing,” Roberts told Gators Online’s Corey Bender. “The performance he put on, that didn’t shock me based on what I got to see for three years from a talent standpoint. If you’re going to throw him the ball 10-plus times, I expect him to have close to 200 yards and a couple touchdowns. He’s that good. He’s that talented.”

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