Roundtable: Which Florida freshman will make the biggest impact this fall?
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Billy Napier’s inaugural season featured few impact freshmen on the team, and his 2023 class is expected to have more early contributors for the Gators.
Last year’s signees included Freshman All-SEC picks Trevor Etienne and Shemar James, one of four freshmen to start games in 2022. The others were wide receiver Caleb Douglas and defensive backs Miguel Mitchell and Kamari Wilson.
RELATED: How the Florida Gators’ 2022 freshman class performed last year
Which freshman from this year’s class will make the biggest impact this fall? Here are the predictions from our Gators Online staff.
Gators Online staff picks
EDGE Kelby Collins
“Collins was the highest-ranked Florida signee in the On3 Industry rankings and lived up to his bill in spring ball. He logged five tackles in the Orange & Blue game and made back-to-back stops in the fourth quarter to force a three-and-out. He’ll be in the rotation as a freshman and could serve as the backup to Justus Boone.” — Zach Abolverdi
WR Eugene Wilson III
“The best opportunity for a freshman will be in the receiver room. Wilson has the best chance to contribute and I believe he can be an answer on special teams. He is electric with the ball in his hands. Ricky Pearsall won’t come off the field much, but Wilson should back him up and will be a frontrunner to return punts and kicks.” — Nick de la Torre
“Wilson is my class MVP and should become a household name for Florida fans. Outside of Pearsall, the Gators don’t have enough of quick-switch slot receivers and Wilson fits that bill. He’s also just so focused and determined as a competitor. I think he’s going to come in and earn his way.” — Corey Bender
WR Andy Jean
“Not only has he been one of the most impressive true freshmen since he arrived on campus, but there’s an obvious need at his position. Florida is searching for reliable playmakers and he can be one of them. He’s a guy that makes things happen with the ball in his hands and that should get him on the field.” — Keith Niebuhr
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