A lot had been made about Dallas Wilson’s historic collegiate debut, but there’s another freshman receiver in Gainesville that’s made several highlight reel plays too: Vernell Brown III.
The speedy 5’11, 178-pound receiver has started all five games this season while serving as the Gators’ primary punt and kick returner. Brown III leads Florida in receptions (21) and receiving yards (291), serving as the go-to target for sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway. Among FBS true freshmen, Brown III ranks third in receptions, third in receiving yards, and fifth in yards per catch. Brown is the only FBS true freshman with at least 20 catches, 13.0 YPC, and 50+ YPG.
In an ESPN article prior to his 86-yard performance vs. Texas, Brown III was named the 10th best true freshman in the country.
Brown III has also emerged as a dynamic returner, averaging 16.4 yards per return, the 9th best in the country. The rookie has four returns of 20+ yards or more and ranks second among FBS freshmen in all-purpose yards.
The Gainesville, Florida native became just the third true freshman in program history to start week one of the season, joining Antonio Callaway (2015) and Percy Harvin (2006).
“Coming in, I always strived to play as a freshman, contribute to the team,” Brown III said. “I think that’s just a testament to the process, the coaches’ trust me and earn the trust of not only the coach, but my teammates as well. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to contribute so early. I’d like to think I’m doing my job and just trying to contribute to the team the best that I can.”
Brown III’s maturity is a large reason Florida’s staff trusted him to start from the jump. At just 18 years old, teammates and coaches noted his pro mentality, attention to detail, and consistency both on and off the field.
“I think the way I was raised, just the people around me and the village that I was raised with. I think I learned self-discipline very early,” Brown III said on where his maturity comes from. “So I think I’ve always been pretty disciplined, just sticking to the process and having those resources, like my dad, to kind of guide me through it, and just listening to him – and trusting it.”
“I’ve always loved the process more than the result,” Brown III added.
Brown III isn’t just a local kid; he’s a triple legacy. His father, Vernell Brown II, played at UF from 2001-2005. Brown III is also the grandson of Vernell Brown Sr. (1982-85). His uncle, Vincent Brown, was a part of the Gators 2008 national championship team.
“It means everything,” Brown III said on being a legacy. “Not only my family members come here, but growing up in Gainesville, all I saw was the Gators. When I was young, I used to have Gator sheets, a Gator room. So growing up, I always wanted to play for the Gators. And I’m glad throughout the recruitment process and all that stuff, I was fortunate enough, I was able to make this my home.”
Although many might have predicted Brown III as a lock to UF given his family ties, the Jones High School product took his time, carefully evaluating all of his offers. Brown III wanted to make a decision for himself.
“My recruiting process was very thorough. Legacy wasn’t going to be the thing that got me here, not just because my family went there, that doesn’t mean Florida was the best option for me,” Brown III said. “So I would say my recruitment process was very thorough. I considered all schools equally, but ultimately Florida that’s the school I decided. But that legacy pitch was just icing on top of the cake.”
“My family have done great things at the University in the past and have a great name, but I still have to make a name for myself as well,” Brown III added.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway played a factor in his recruitment.
“Seeing him as a freshman, seeing the things that he’s done, and like ‘dang, maybe I could help contribute to that’, and then coming in here and doing that, it’s exciting,” Brown III said.
You’d be hard pressed to find a freshmen wide receiver duo as good as Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson.
“I like to say we’re the two best freshmen receivers in the country,” Brown III said.
The two have vastly different skillsets, but both can create mismatches and problems for opposing defenses. The duo has drawn comparisons to Gator receivers Ike Hilliard and Reidel Anthony, who combined for 919 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as true freshman in 1994.
The 2025 campaign marks just the fourth season in UF program history in which two true freshman receivers have started (2025, 2016, 2012, 2000).