On3 Names Two Florida Gators to Preseason True Freshman All-American Team
Florida freshmen wideout Eugene Wilson III and cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson earned preseason honors Tuesday as they were included on the On3 True Freshman All-American Team.
The Gators duo were joined by 20 other freshmen talent from around the country on the 22-man list. Florida is one of two schools, joined by Alabama, to have an offensive and defensive selection.
Both Wilson and Jackson have earned high praise for their practice contributions this offseason, proving to be the dynamic assets Napier and Co. anticipated when evaluating their recruitment résumés.
Wilson, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound slot receiver, has been a workout and practice standout since arriving in Gainesville in May. He’s produced as an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands to bolster Florida’s passing attack.
The ability was highlighted during Florida’s Friday scrimmage as he came away with a long touchdown score, All Gators has learned. Wilson did most of the damage with his legs as he worked through arm tackles and made defenders miss in the open field after reeling in a short crossing route.
Wilson recently earned his way onto ESPN’s top 50 college football newcomer list on Aug. 11.
He’s in line to potentially start in week one against Utah, a source tells AG, as a result. Even if he doesn't take the field on the year’s first snap, Wilson will undoubtedly see a high-volume role throughout the 2023 campaign.
Jackson, on the other hand, has garnered similar praise for his contributions on the defensive side of the ball.
Possessing the height, length, speed, athleticism, ball skills and instincts cherished by secondary coach Corey Raymond for his boundary cornerbacks, the Kissimmee (Fla.) native is expected to be a key player in the four-to-five-man cornerback rotation this season.
Napier pointed to Jackson out as a player that impressed during the team's first scrimmage on Aug. 10.
"He’s looking good, he’s doing good. Well-developed. You should see him playing this season," starting Gators cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. said about Jackson at SEC Media Days in July.
Wilson and Jackson will see the first action of their collegiate careers when Florida kicks off the 2023 campaign against Utah at 8 p.m. EST on Aug. 31.
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