Highly touted Florida freshman WR set to make debut in Week 6 against Texas
By Derek Hryn
Published:
Florida freshman wide receiver Dallas Wilson is scheduled to make his collegiate debut in Week 6 against No. 9 Texas, coach Billy Napier confirmed Monday, per Mark Long of the Associated Press.
Wilson, a 6-foot-3, 194-pound Tampa product, has been practicing for the first time since injuring his left foot in training camp. Napier called his availability “a big deal.”
“Three good days of work last week, and I thought he handled the load well,” Napier said of Wilson at his Monday press conference. “He feels really good. So far, so good.”
Wilson wowed in Florida’s spring game with 10 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Injuries kept him off the field while the Gators struggled to find any rhythm, scoring just 16, 10, and 7 points in recent losses to South Florida, LSU, and Miami.
Quarterback DJ Lagway has been the center of attention — and frustration. The sophomore was limited with injuries during the offseason and started the season a little rusty. Napier used the bye week to get him more live-action reps and emphasized that the team needs to step up around him.
Wilson’s addition changes the dynamic. Outside of freshman Vernell Brown III, the Gators haven’t had much firepower at receiver, but Wilson brings size, speed and playmaking ability.
Florida is hoping Wilson’s debut can finally give this offense the spark it’s been missing — just in time to face one of the SEC’s toughest defenses.
