Billy Napier Updates Gators WR Eugene Wilson, OL Lyndell Hudson's Injuries
Photo: Eugene Wilson III; Credit: Zach Goodall
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- While sophomore linebacker Shemar James' status inhabited the injury-related headlines from Billy Napier's Thursday press conference, the Gators' head coach updated Florida's injury report across the board while offering what he could at the time about the morning's breaking news.
As Florida's 2023 fall training camp has gotten underway, sophomore wide receiver Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman and freshman wide receiver Eugene Wilson III have been limited to no-contact and light participation in practice with what Napier described as soft tissue injuries.
Napier suggested the duo could be upgraded to full participation in the near future.
"We anticipate getting a couple of these soft tissue guys back, like Tre Wilson, Thai Bowman," Napier said.
Bowman looks to build upon his 2022 emergence with the Gators following his transfer from Independence Community College last year. He caught seven passes for 138 yards in his debut campaign with UF and was a regular contributor on special teams.
Wilson, meanwhile, was one of the higher-profile members of Florida's 2023 recruiting class. The son of former NFL defensive back Eugene Wilson II, Wilson shined on the opposite side of the ball for Tampa (Fla.) Gaither, producing 108 receptions for 1,816 yards and 18 touchdowns in 28 varsity games as an electric slot receiver.
"Eugene Wilson, I haven't really had a chance to kind of see him. But from the quick flashes that I did get of him, I can tell he's very explosive," Gators sophomore cornerback Devin Moore said on Thursday. "Very explosive."
Napier also confirmed All Gators' reporting that offensive tackle Lyndell Hudson II, who was noticeably absent from practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, was recently involved in a minor car accident that has temporarily impacted his ability to practice.
"Lyndell Hudson was in a car accident, he’s in concussion protocol," Napier stated.
"Outside of that, we’re in pretty good shape."
Hudson transferred into the program over the summer following five seasons at Florida International, in which he tallied 25 starts, 38 appearances and 1,564 snaps on the Panthers' offensive line. He is expected to compete for playing time at right tackle or in a swing role for the Gators in 2023.
Napier didn't offer new updates on guard Micah Mazzccua or tight end Jonathan Odom, although both offensive contributors appear to be making progress in their return to play.
Mazzccua suffered a shoulder injury that required a medical procedure during Florida's spring training camp. Odom went down with a significant knee injury in the Dec. 2022 Las Vegas Bowl against Oregon State, which also required surgery.
Both players have been observed wearing no-contact jerseys in practice, however, they have participated in positional drills in front of reporters throughout camp, an encouraging sign as the season approaches.
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