Florida WR Eugene Wilson III Changes Number Before Freshman Season

It's in the name: Florida wide receiver Eugene Wilson III has changed his jersey number ahead of his freshman season.

Zach Goodall | Aug 24, 2023

Florida WR Eugene Wilson III Changes Number Before Freshman Season /

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Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- "Tre" continues to be a suitable nickname for Eugene Wilson III.

The Florida freshman wide receiver has changed his jersey number from No. 21 to No. 3 ahead of his first season with the Gators, according to the team's official roster.

The change only strengthened the shine of the spotlight fixated on Wilson ahead of collegiate debut.

ESPN deemed Wilson to be one of college football's top 50 newcomers ahead of the 2023 season, citing that he has "already made a name for himself" within the Gators' offense in the practice setting, likely referring to his compliments from head coach Billy Napier shortly following Wilson's promotion to full participation in fall camp.

"I think Tre, in particular, really cut it loose," Napier recalled on Aug. 7 from practice the night before. "He's kind of had some soft tissue issues to start camp, so I think his presence was known out there last night. I think he'll make our team better."

The son of former NFL defensive back Eugene Wilson II, the younger Wilson was one of the most sought-after slot receiver prospects in the recruiting class of 2023. He was considered the No. 2 player at his position and No. 68 overall prospect in the county by the Sports Illustrated 99.

He gathered 108 receptions for 1,816 yards and 18 touchdowns in 28 varsity games with Tampa (Fla.) Gaither High School.

Wilson accumulated 23 scholarship offers as a recruit, with schools such as Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia and Florida State in pursuit of his services before he signed with Florida last December.

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Published Aug 24, 2023

ZACH GOODALL

Zach Goodall is the publisher of AllGators.com on FanNation-Sports Illustrated, serving as a beat reporter covering football, recruiting, and occasionally other sports since 2019. Before moving to Gainesville, Zach spent four years covering the Jacksonville Jaguars for SB Nation (2015-18) and Locked On Podcast Network (2017-19), originally launching his sports journalism career as a junior in high school. He also covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for FanNation-Sports Illustrated (2020-22). In addition to writing and reporting, Zach is a sports photographer and videographer who primarily shoots football and basketball games, practices and related events. When time permits in the 24/7 media realm, Zach enjoys road trips, concerts, golf and microbreweries.