Four Gators Make Coaches All-SEC Freshman Team

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Four first-year Gators — wide receiver Eugene Wilson III, edge rushers T.J. Searcy and Kelby Collins, and safety Jordan Castell — were named to the Coaches All-SEC Freshman Team on Thursday.

Additionally, each player, joined by UF redshirt freshman tight end Arlis Boardingham, earned spots on the College Football News All-SEC Freshman Team on Thursday.

As Florida continues its program rebuild under head coach Billy Napier, experiencing a youth movement across the two-deep depth chart as a result, each freshman played a crucial part in the Gators' team-wide production in 2023 and present cornerstones for Napier to build around in UF's current and future recruiting classes. 

Wilson compiled 61 receptions, 538 yards and a team-high six touchdowns over 10 appearances in 2023, including seven starts. His reception and yardage count ranked second on the team, only behind senior receiver and now-NFL Draft prospect Ricky Pearsall.

Castell led the Gators in total tackles with 60 and solo tackles with 30, while also totaling 1.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and an interception. He started in all but one game during the season, taking over as a first-team player in Week 2. 

Within a rotation on Florida's defensive edges, Searcy and Collins combined to total 49 tackles including five for loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Collins' 20 quarterback pressures ranked third-most among Gators defenders according to Pro Football Focus. Searcy's 12 run stops ranked fifth-highest on the team, per PFF.

Freshmen combined to start 37 games for Florida in 2023, with 20 made by offensive players and 17 on defense. Seven true freshmen — Castell, Collins, Searcy, offensive lineman Knijeah Harris, edge rusher Kamran James, linebacker Jaden Robinson and cornerback Dijon Johnson — played in every game for UF this season, more than any other FBS school.

True freshmen accounted for 18% of Florida's team-wide snap count in 2023 with 3,767 logged, including 2,725 on defense, good for 27% of that unit's makeup.