The winds of attrition blew through The Swamp again this winter, with Florida adding 30 scholarship roster spots and subtracting 21 through the NCAA transfer site, as well as numerous players leaving for the NFL Draft or their post-football careers. As Florida prepares for spring training camp, All Gators is breaking down each position on the roster, assessing each group’s success in 2023 and previewing their makeup for the 2024 season.
After taking a look at the quarterbacks and running backs, we now move to the outside to examine the receiver room. If required, All Gators will revisit positions affected by the spring transfer portal window later this offseason. We will offer final depth chart projections during Florida’s fall training camp in August.
2023 SEASON IN REVIEW: FLORIDA’S WIDE RECEIVERS
With the quarterback transition from top-five NFL draft pick Anthony Richardson to Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz beginning in 2023, Florida needed as much production from its receivers as possible to bolster the passing game. Fifth-year senior Ricky Pearsall and true freshman Eugene Wilson III provided the Gators with more than they needed, assisting Mertz in setting career highs in throwing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, and interceptions.
Pearsall had one of the best seasons by a UF wide receiver in recent memory, catching 65 passes for 965 yards, both career and team highs, and scoring four touchdowns. He also scored two running touchdowns, another career high. Meanwhile, Wilson had a breakout season, scoring six touchdowns on 61 catches. In addition, his 538 receiving yards was second on the team and topped all freshman in the SEC. Wilson received freshman All-SEC honors, Freshman All-America honors from On3, 247 Sports, and the FWAA, and a Freshman All-America honorable mention from the College Football Network.
In 2023, former walk-on quarterback-turned-wide receiver Kahleil Jackson broke out as a deep threat and spectacular ball catcher. Last season, he set career highs in catches (21), yards (251), and scored his first collegiate touchdown. Aside from Pearsall, Wilson, and Jackson, Florida received little assistance from the other receivers in the room. Caleb Douglas, a sophomore, started the first five games of the year and caught 11 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown before suffering a lower leg injury against Kentucky that terminated his season. He has now transferred to Texas Tech.
Four-star freshmen Andy Jean, who battled a lower-body injury throughout the year, and Aidan Mizell caught six and two passes, respectively, and redshirted in their first season. Veteran backups Marcus Burke and Ja’Quavion Fraziars combined for 10 catches for 142 yards.
OUT AND IN Scholarship players only Out: Ricky Pearsall (NFL), Caleb Douglas (transferred to Texas Tech) In: Chimere Dike (transferred from Wisconsin), TJ Abrams (freshman), Jerrae “Tank” Hawkins (freshman) LOOKING FORWARD There is no question that losing Pearsall hurts the group’s outlook considering his overall skill and veteran presence. However, the Gators have options going into the 2024 campaign to help alleviate the loss.
To replace Pearsall’s experience, Florida looks to a familiar face, at least to Mertz. Wisconsin Transfer Chimere Dike arrives at Gainesville for his final year of eligibility and quickly establishes himself as a starter owing to his production and familiarity with coach Mertz. In four years at Wisconsin, Dike caught 97 passes for 1,478 yards and nine touchdowns. Dike’s best season came in Mertz’s final year with the Badgers, when he led the team with 47 receptions, 689 yards, and six touchdowns. With his lack of previous experience in the room and his relationship with Mertz, Dike will be expected to play a significant role in the offense in 2024, whether he starts or not. He will most certainly face incumbent starter Jackson, redshirt.
Jean and Mizell will be key players to keep an eye on throughout spring training. Both received a lot of attention throughout the offseason last year, but they did not see much playing time despite being routinely featured on the weekly depth chart. With a year of development behind them, they are expected to be in the rotation frequently. Wilson, who played both inside and outside last season, will mostly replace Pearsall in the slot. Florida’s major strategy with Wilson was to get him the ball quickly and allow him to use his speed in space to make plays. Now taking up Pearsall’s position, Wilson will be expected to contribute as a natural receiver while also maintaining his productivity.
