Florida Gators freshmen report: Which rookies are making an impact
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators signed the No. 13 class in the country, according to the On3 Composite Rankings. As Billy Napier continues to rebuild the Gators’ roster, 16 of those true freshmen have already made their debut for the Gators.
“We’re going to have young players, and we understand there will be some growing pains with some of the players that are going to have to play, but I don’t think there’s a lack of intangibles here,” Napier said. “I think this group cares about each other. I think they’re living life the right way for the most part right now. And I think they’re highly motivated. They’re excited to play against somebody else, too.”
Here are the freshmen who have made an appearance for Florida through two games.
Florida Gators freshman report
Ja’Keem Jackson
PFF Grade: 85.3
Games/Snaps: 2/25
Stats: 2 tackles, 2 passes broken up
There’s a long history of great defensive backs at Florida and Jackson is getting a head start on joining that prestigious group. He played in a handful of snaps against Utah, recording his first tackle. Against McNeese, he recorded another tackle as well as two pass breakups. He’s the Gators’ highest rated player by Pro Football Focus regardless of class or position.
EDGE — T.J. Searcy
PFF Grade: 80.0
Games/Snaps: 2/31
Stats: 5 tackles, 0.5 tackles for a loss
Searcy was a steal for the Gators in the last recruiting class. The talented pass rusher from Thomaston, Georgia enrolled in the spring and spent most of camp working on setting the edge and against the run. He’s been one of the Gators’ best freshmen in 2023 and his role will continue to increase this season.
WR — Eugene Wilson
PFF Grade: 77.8 (highest grade on offense with more than 10 snaps)
Games/Snaps: 2 (1 start)/ 66
Stats: 6 receptions, 60 yards, 2 carries, 27 yards
You don’t have to have years of coaching experience to notice Wilson on the field. He’s an electric player in the mold of a Kadarius Toney or Percy Harvin. It doesn’t matter how you do it, but you need to get the ball to him anyway you can.
DL — Kelby Collins
PFF Grade: 72.3
Games/Snaps: 2/24
Stats: 3 tackles
Collins is getting more of an opportunity early due to the injury to Justus Boone. Like Searcy, Collins will see his role continue to grow as the season goes on.
LB — Jaden Robinson
PFF Grade: 71.1
Games/Snaps: 1/10
Stats: 1 tackle
Robinson saw his first action against McNeese. A local talent, he’s just buried in a linebacker room that saw multiple transfers come in. He’s likely a redshirt candidate but a player that his coach, Jay Bateman, likes a lot.
OL — Knijeah Harris
PFF Grade: 70.1
Games/Snaps: 2/56
Stats: N/A
It didn’t take Rob Sale long to single out the freshman from IMG. Harris, a high school center, moved to offensive guard when he arrived in Gainesville. He now is, essentially, a backup at both guard positions and center. Harris saw his playing time increase drastically from game one to game two. He’s shown he’s capable.
WR — Aidan Mizell
PFF Grade: 67.5
Games/Snaps: 1/17
Stats: 2 receptions, 25 yards
Mizell didn’t play in the season opener but got in against McNeese. Mizell is one of the ’23 three — the three receivers Florida signed in the 2023 recruiting class. There is opportunity in the room. Wilson is making the most of that opportunity right now but Mizell and Andy Jean can break in and find roles for themselves.
CB — Sharif Denson
PFF Grade: 64.0
Games/Snaps: 2/9
Stats: 1 tackle
Denson was behind both Jaydon Hill and Jadarrius Perkins at Star. With Perkins leaving, Hill will take on a bigger role but Denson should be able to work his way into the mix in the secondary.
S — Jordan Castell
PFF Grade: 60.0
Games/Snaps: 2/70
Stats: 10 tackles
Castell earned the starting job out of fall camp and has been a staple for the Gators at safety. Castell’s 70 snaps trail only Jason Marshall‘s 74 on defense. The Gators do rotate Miguel Mitchell and RJ Moten into the mix but Castell has already cemented his starting role as a freshman.
RB — Treyaun Webb
PFF Grades: 59.7
Games/Snaps: 2/24
Stats: 15 carries, 74 yards, 2 touchdowns
Webb played just three snaps in the season opener but was featured in the Gators’ blowout win over McNeese. He carried the ball 14 times for 71 yards and scored twice. With Cam Carroll going down prior to the season, Webb’s role was increased. Florida still has a power duo in Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne, but Webb is firmly planed in that third spot.
TE — Tony Livingston
PFF Grade: 59.4
Games/Snaps: 1/4
Stats: 1 reception, four yards
Livingston took a rare greyshirt in 2022. The dual-sport high school athlete split time between basketball and football in high school and then missed an entire year of football while grey shirting. He’s impressed the coaching staff and with the Gators’ tight end room in flux, could end up getting more reps later in the season. If not, Livingston could be a redshirt candidate.
S — Bryce Thornton
PFF Grade: 59.4
Games/Snaps: 1/13
Stats: 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Thornton saw his first action against McNeese. An undersized but super athletic defensive back, he is likely on a path for a redshirt in 2023.
DL — Will Norman
PFF Grade: 56.9
Games/Snaps: 2/8
Stats: 1 tackle
Norman has played in each of the first two games, playing on special teams against Utah and then eight defensive snaps against McNeese. Norman is in a deep room at defensive tackle but should continue to get playing time here and there and isn’t expected to redshirt.
DB — Dijon Johnson
PFF Grade: 53.0
Games/Snaps: 2/15
Stats: 1 tackle
Johnson played on special teams at Utah and then showed up in a new number against McNeese. He switched from his original No. 26 to Jadarrius Perkins’ No. 27 just days after the senior announced he was leaving the team. Johnson is an intriguing young player who will continue making his biggest impact on special teams.
DL — Kamran James
PFF Grade: 51.9
Games/Snaps: 2/21
Stats: N/A
The Orlando native has played on special teams in both games and made his defensive debut against McNeese. It will be interesting to see if Florida burns James redshirt this season even if he’s only getting real playing time on special teams.
WR — Andy Jean
PFF Grade: 49.3
Games/Snaps: 1/25
Stats: N/A
The third member of the ’23 three saw his first game action against McNeese, playing 25 snaps (according to Pro Football Focus). Jean was in the game early but wasn’t targeted. He’s a talented young player that, if he’s healthy, we don’t expect to redshirt.
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