Gators 2024 Positional Outlook: Wide Receiver
Photo: Florida wide receiver Eugene Wilson III; Credit: Alex Shepherd
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The winds of attrition breezed through The Swamp again this winter, with Florida making 30 total scholarship roster additions and 21 subtractions via the NCAA transfer portal, along with several departing players heading toward the NFL Draft or their post-football careers.
All Gators is breaking down each position on Florida's roster as the team approaches spring training camp, reviewing the performances of each group 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 transition at quarterback from top-five NFL draft pick Anthony Richardson to Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz going into 2023, Florida needed as much production from its receivers as possible to boost the passing game.
The Gators got that and then some from fifth-year senior Ricky Pearsall and true freshman Eugene Wilson III, who helped Mertz achieve career-highs in passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage and a career-low in interceptions.
Pearsall had one of the best seasons by a UF wide receiver in recent memory with 65 catches for 965 yards, both of which were career-highs and team-highs, with four touchdowns. He also added two rushing touchdowns, another career high.
Meanwhile, Wilson broke out in his debut season with a team-high six touchdowns on 61 catches. Additionally, his 538 receiving yards were second-most on the team and led all freshmen in the SEC.
As a result, Wilson earned 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.
A breakout player in 2023 came in the form of former walk-on quarterback-turned-wide receiver Kahleil Jackson, who became a deep threat and flashy pass catcher. He hit career marks in catches (21), yards (251) and caught his first collegiate touchdown last season.
Outside of Pearsall, Wilson and Jackson, Florida had little help from the other receivers in the room. Sophomore Caleb Douglas 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, which ended his season. He has since 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 turns to a familiar face, at least to Mertz. Wisconsin transfer Chimere Dike comes to Gainesville for his final year of eligibility and immediately becomes a contender to start due to his production and familiarity with Mertz.
In four years with the Badgers, Dike caught 97 passes for 1,478 yards and nine touchdowns. His best season came during Mertz's final year with the Badgers with Dike leading the team with 47 catches, 689 yards and six touchdowns.
With the lack of extensive experience in the room paired with his connection with Mertz, Dike will be expected to occupy a major role in the offense in 2024, whether he's a starter or not. He will likely battle incumbent starter Jackson, redshirt freshmen Jean and Mizell and career backups Fraziars and Burke for a starting position on the outside.
Jean and Mizell will be two to watch throughout the upcoming spring practices. Both garnered plenty of hype during the offseason last year but did not see any extensive playing time despite being frequently listed on the weekly depth chart. With a year of development under their belt, they are expected to be in the rotation frequently.
Replacing Pearsall's spot in the slot will primarily be Wilson, who split last season between the inside and outside. Using motions, quick tosses and screens, Florida's main ploy with Wilson was to get him the ball quickly and let him use his speed in space to make plays.
Now taking Pearsall's position, Wilson will be expected to contribute as a natural receiver while also keeping his productivity as a do-it-all playmaker.
Additionally, Florida added more speed with early enrollees Tawaski Abrams and Jerrae "Tank" Hawkins. Hawkins, an IMG product with a reported 4.25-second 40-yard dash, is smaller in stature standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 165 pounds, but his ability to create plays at the line-of-scrimmage and down the field allows him to make an impact.
He also is a contender to replace Pearsall and now-Georgia running back Trevor Etienne as a returner on special teams.
Meanwhile, Abrams boasts a 10.5-second 100-meter dash, but his 5-foot-10, 190-pound frame suggests he could play outside. If so, he'll join the aforementioned Dike, Jackson, Jean, Mizell, Fraziars and Burke for playing time and possibly a starting position on the outside.
That being said, no matter who starts and at what position, Florida should have plenty of weapons and speed for Mertz and five-star freshman DJ Lagway going into next season.
Early 2024 Gators WR Depth Chart Projection
Outside: Chimere Dike (Sr.), Kahleil Jackson (r-Jr.)
Outside backups: Ja'Quavion Fraziars (Sr.), Andy Jean (r-Fr.), Aidan Mizell (r-Fr.), TJ Abrams (Fr.), Marcus Burke (r-Jr.)
Slot: Eugene Wilson III (So.)
Slot backup: Tank Hawkins (Fr.)
Florida 2024 Positional Outlooks
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