The third part of a position overview of the 2024 Gators ahead of fall camp:

WIDE RECEIVER

What to expect

Eugene Wilson III has the makings of a star. The 5'10″, 195-pound sophomore is explosive, instinctive and has shown surprising durability despite missing two games in 2023, catching 61 balls.

Wilson was the focal point of the spring game, finishing with eight catches for 128 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown. But he was also a one-man operation and will need help after Ricky Pearsall leaves for the NFL. He had 98 catches, 1,626 yards and 12 total touchdowns in two seasons after transferring from Arizona State.

Elijhah Badger, another transfer from the Sun Devils, hopes to fill the void. The 6'2″ and 195-pound Badger caught a total of 135 balls for 1,579 yards and 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Wisconsin native Chimere Dike, who spent three seasons with Gators quarterback Graham Mertz in Madison, is in the running for the third starting spot. SMasterful former walk-on Khaleil Jackson is a proven veteran.

There are numerous options beyond the quartet.

Redshirt junior Marcus Burke is looking to finally show off his size (6'4″, 195 pounds) and skill; sophomore Aidan Mizell, a former Orlando Boone star, can stretch the field and scored a 22-yard touchdown in the spring game; and true freshmen Tank Hawkins and TJ Abrams also have tremendous speed.

Hawkins ran the 40 meters in under 4.3 seconds, while Abrams ran the 100 meters in 10.5 seconds.

Promising redshirt freshman Andy Jean will try to stay healthy after injuries limited him to four games in 2023 and sidelined him for most of the spring. Big senior Ja'Quavion Fraziars (6-3 1/2, 218) could play a role in his final season.

On the list

Marcus Burke, R.-Jr.

Jaden Edgecombe, R-Fr.

Ja’Quavion Fraziars, Sr.

Alex Gonzales, R-Fr.

Brian Green Jr., R-Fr.

Wade Jackson, R.-Fr.

Khaleil Jackson, R-Jr.

Andy Jean, R-Fr.

Aidan Mizell, R-Fr.

Zak Sedaros, R.-So.

Taylor Spierto, R-Jr.

Eugene Wilson III, So.

Departures

Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman (translation to Rice)

Caleb Douglas (transfer to Texas Tech)

Ricky Pearsall (eligibility, NFL)

Arrivals

TJ Abrams, Fr. (signatory)

Elijhah Badger, Sr. (transfer from Arizona State)

Chimere Dike, Sr. (transmitted from Wisconsin)

Tank Hawkins, Fr. (signatory)

Projected depth chart

WR1 – Elijah Badger, Marcus Burke, Aidan Mizell

WR2 – Eugene Wilson III, Tank Hawkins, Ja’Quavion Fraziars

WR3 – Chimere Dike, Khaleil Jackson, Andy Jean

Previous: Quarterback. Running back

Next Sunday: Close finish

Edgar Thompson can be reached at [email protected]