Photo: Eugene Wilson III; Credit: Alex Shepherd

Another postseason accolade has rolled in for Florida’s standout frosh wideout.

Eugene “Tre” Wilson III, a true freshman for the Gators, was named to the 247Sports Freshman All-American Team on Tuesday after an outstanding first season in Gainesville.

Wilson became a focal point weapon early in the 2023 schedule and continued to serve in increasing quantities throughout the 2023 campaign. It came via a combination of planned touches at first, such as screens, jet sweeps, and pop passes, but as the season progressed, quarterback Graham Mertz’s usage of traditional downfield targets increased.

His relative newness as a summertime enrollee contributed to Napier and Co.’s early acclimation process for the elite-caliber talent. However, his explosiveness in his early practice sessions forced Florida to plug him into the gameplan early in his collegiate career.

The concerted effort to utilize Wilson’s dynamic skillset began with six touches for 44 yards on the opening drive in the Gators’ 29-16 upset victory over No. 11 Tennessee in The Swamp on Sept. 16.

Wilson continued to use more of the ball as the season progressed, even after suffering an injury in the game that kept him out of the next two games. On November 4, he finished the game with 90 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions against the Arkansas Razorbacks. In four consecutive games, he scored the first touchdown for the Gators. Against Georgia, Arkansas, LSU, and Missouri, he reached pay dirt five times.

Wilson finished his freshman campaign with 593 scrimmage yards and six scores on 67 touches.

His performance has made him well-known as one of the best college football players in his first year of play in 2023. More importantly, Wilson’s production gives Florida’s offense a top-tier playmaking option going into the crucial 2024 season for head coach Billy Napier and his staff.

When the 5-7 year ends and Caleb Douglas (transfer portal) and Ricky Pearsall (NFL Draft) depart, he will be the most experienced wideout to rejoin the Gators.

In 2024, Wilson will look to improve on his rookie campaign in which he was the best receiving option in a young pass catchers’ room.