Florida is losing a ton of production this offseason at the receiving position but the way Van Jefferson sees it, Dan Mullen’s offense will have no shortage of targets next fall in Gainesville.

The program will be losing Josh Hammond, Freddie Swain, Tyrie Cleveland and Jefferson this season to graduation. If you toss in senior running back Lamical Perine, who caught 35 passes this fall, that’s 162 catches that will need to be made up next fall.

So who steps up the most next season for the Gators at receiver? That’s something Jefferson was asked Friday during his Orange Bowl media availability.

“Man, I think Jacob Copeland, Trevon Grimes, Dionte Marks, Ja’markis (Weston), Trent (Whittemore), a couple guys are going to step up next year and have a big impact on offense.”

Grimes selection is noteworthy as the junior has yet to officially declare his return to the program next season. While Jefferson noted Grimes doesn’t officially mean the junior will return, you have to think that’s the way Grimes is leaning based on his inclusion on the list.

When it comes to the freshmen receivers on Florida’s roster that redshirted this season, Jefferson says he’s been impressed by what he’s seen from them on the practice field.

“I like them a lot,” Jefferson added. “I think Trent does really well in practice. Dionte and Ja’Markis are two of the fast guys, they make plays, so I think they’re going to be good next year and have a really big impact.”

Based on the production being lost this offseason in Gainesville, those freshmen will need to grow up in a hurry this offseason, as Mullen’s offense will be counting on them to make plays on the field after a year spent adjusting to life in a college program.