Two Florida Gators named to On3 True Freshman All-American Team

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Billy Napier has infused the Florida Gators roster with young talent and two of those new players were honored on Tuesday afternoon. Freshman receiver Eugene Wilson and freshamn cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson were both named to the On3 True Freshman All-American Team.

Eugene Wilson

Wilson enrolled at Florida less than two months ago but his arrival had been greatly anticipated. The true freshman was a beast in the weight room, squatting more than 400 pounds and benching more than 300 at just 5-10 and 180 pounds. He’s a receiver than can make defenders miss in a phone booth, something only senior receiver Ricky Pearsall possesses on the roster. Wilson will find his way on to the field this fall on special teams and at receiver.

“Eugene Wilson was a five-star outlier for On3. We ranked him much higher than any other media outlet, and I think based on the early returns since he’s arrived in Florida, I think he has a chance to live up to his five-star billing. He’s been a silky smooth, extremely coordinator, fluid receiver, who just has a lot of play-making ability.

“I think when you’re looking at the receiver position, we highly-value coordination, movement-skills, and Eugene Wilson has all of that in spades. … Just a phenomenal overall athlete. … Getting really strong reviews early on in his time at Florida. … They’re going to need some play-makers, obviously they’re losing Anthony Richardson. … So Eugene Wilson, he’s one that we’ve been high on for a long time, and I think he could be set to surprise some folks this year in Gainesville,” Power stated.

Ja’Keem Jackson

Jackson was a late riser as a recruit. The freshman spent most of his high school career playing both ways but has set his full attention to cornerback. The Gators return Jason Marshall, Devin Moore, and Jalen Kimber to the cornerback room this season. Still, Jackson has proved himself capable and worthy of getting in the mix with those upperclassmen.

“Although Florida has some established corners returning for this fall … I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ja’Keem Jackson get on the field and impress early on in his career at a Gator. Jackson’s received some strong reviews since enrolling. He’s one who we were very high on at On3 throughout the process. We really like the upside,” Charles Power of On3 said.

“He’s relatively inexperienced at corner, but took to the position quickly. … Kind of checks the boxes of what you look for, physically and athletically at the position. … Draws from his experience as a receiver, with high level ball skills as well. He’s received a lot of positive buzz since enrolling at Florida. … He has the talent to earn his way on the field, and I think once he’s on the field, he will impress.”

Gators freshmen making an impact

The Gators will need their young talent to make an impact this season. Head coach Billy Napier admitted as much last week.

“I’m really excited about the young group of edge players. I would like to know if there’s a better group of young edge players in the country. You think about Kelby [Colins], Kamran [James], TJ [Searcy], Jack’s [Pyburn] a, young player. I think that room there, we’re just gonna have to live with growing pains if that make sense. You know, but I do think those guys are excited about the opportunity, and kind of, they’re in that group that I’m describing here, right? In terms of the attention to detail. As we get closer to the game, there’s a level of urgency and focus that’s required that — you know, I think some of our team understands that, but I think there’ll be some things that come as these guys gain more experience, I think they’ll get better and better as we go.”

Complete 2023 On3 True Freshman All-American Team

QB: Jaden Rashada – Arizona State
RB: Rueben Owens – Texas A&M
WR: Zachariah Branch – USC
WR: Eugene Wilson – Florida
WR: Ayden Williams – Ole Miss
TE: Ka’Morreun Pimpton – LSU
OL: Chase Bisontis – Texas A&M
OL: Francis Mauigoa – Miami
OL: Kadyn Proctor – Alabama
OL: Spencer Fano – Utah
OL: Zalance Heard – LSU
EDGE: Damon Wilson – Georgia
EDGE: Cameron Lenhardt – Nebraska
DL: Peter Woods – Clemson
DL: Keldric Faulk – Auburn
LB: Anthony Hill – Texas
LB: Arion Carter – Tennessee
LB: Grayson Pup Howard – South Carolina
S: Caleb Downs – Alabama
S: Peyton Bowen – Oklahoma
CB: Cormani McClain – Colorado
CB: Ja’Keem Jackson – Florida