WR Eugene Wilson III back in drills and other takeaways from Florida football practice
Florida football held its second practice of fall camp on Tuesday afternoon at the Sanders Practice Fields. In all, the Gators will practice 15 times over the next three weeks in preparation for their opener on Aug. 31 at Utah.
Here are three takeaways from the 15-minute open portion of practice: Mertz sharp:QB Graham Mertz sharp and other takeaways from Florida football's first fall camp practice Camp questions:5 questions facing Florida football as the Gators enter fall camp for the 2023 season Freshman WR Eugene Wilson III back in pass catching drills Freshman wide receiver Eugene Wilson III, who worked out on the side on Monday, was back taking part in pass catching drills on Tuesday. Wilson was still wearing a non-contact jersey. A former Tampa Gaither standout, Wilson brings a potential playmaking element to the receiving corps with his elusiveness and ability to generate yards after the catch.
As a slot receiver, Wilson will likely get reps on the second team behind Ricky Pearsall when he's fully healthy. Former Gator great Brandon Spikes working with linebackers Former Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes spent his second straight day with the linebacker group, observing tackling drills with UF inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman. Spikes, 35, has returned to finish his UF degree and is working as a student assistant coach.
He won BCS championships playing with Florida from 2006-09 and went on to a six-year NFL career from 2010-16 with the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. Quarterbacks work on deep throws Florida quarterbacks extended to work on deep balls on Tuesday, with Graham Mertz connecting with freshman wide receiver Aidan Mizell in stride for a 40-yard strike. The receivers remained fairly consistent throughout drills with quarterbacks.
Sophomore Caleb Douglas had a drop, but redeemed himself with a nice catch from Jack Miller along the sideline. Senior Ricky Pearsall, who added four pounds of lean muscle while dropping body fat, looks quicker this season catching balls in stride. .