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WATCH: Gators WR Vernell Brown III Wows the Swamp with One-Handed Catch

Vernell Brown III also set a program record for true freshmen with his 41-yard reception from DJ Lagway.
Cam Parker|
Florida Gators freshman receiver Vernell Brown III (8) has had an instant impact in his first collegiate game.
Florida Gators freshman receiver Vernell Brown III (8) has had an instant impact in his first collegiate game. | Kyle Lander / Florida Gators on SI

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Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla.-- Vernell Brown III didn't take long to have a signature moment with the Florida Gators.

The former five-star, who became just the third true freshman in program history to start in a season opener, wow'd the crowd inside The Swamp with a one-handed, diving effort on a 41-yard pass from DJ Lagway.

The catch, Brown III's third of the evening, set a program record for receiving yards by a true freshman making his first start with his 79 yards. It also set up an eight-yard touchdown pass from Lagway to transfer J. Michael Sturdivant.

Lagway, who had three touchdowns in the first half, also surpassed 2,000 passing yards in his young career with Brown III's catch.

The legacy player also had two punt returns for 41 yards.

Brown III's start came as Florida is without redshirt sophomore Aidan Mizell and true freshman Dallas Wilson due to injury. His play on the field is not a surprise, though, with head coach Billy Napier on Wednesday praising him for his game-readiness.

"I'd say he's a little ahead of schedule," Napier said. "I think he's pretty smart, pretty mature, obviously the pedigree with the dad, the environment, the competitive environment, if you do your homework on the family. And then he's just run a ton of routes in his life. I think he's 7 on 7, trainers, he’s watched and observed a lot of football.

"And then he has the work capacity. He's durable, he's available, and I think he's tough. He’s a good decision-maker and a good communicator as well. He's a good return player. So he probably could go out there and play corner or nickel if we wanted him to. He’s a good football player. He’s a rookie. There'll be some growing pains that come to that but got a ton of confidence in him.”

No. 15 Florida leads Long Island, 38-0, at halftime.

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Cam Parker
CAM PARKER

Cam Parker is a reporter covering the Florida Gators, Auburn Tigers and Clemson Tigers with a degree in journalism from the University of Florida. He also covers and broadcasts Alachua County high school sports with The Prep Zone and Mainstreet Daily News. When he isn't writing, he enjoys listening to '70s music such as The Band or Lynyrd Skynyrd, binge-watching shows and playing with his cat, Chester, and dog, Rufus.

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