Dallas Wilson took the practice field for the first time in more than nine months when the Gators kicked off fall camp on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-3, 212-pound receiver suffered injuries to both feet during his freshman campaign, limiting him for much of his time in Gainesville. Wilson appeared in four games before suffering a season-ending injury against Georgia, finishing with 12 receptions for 174 yards and three touchdowns.
During Florida’s winter workouts, Wilson’s foot had a “little flare-up,” and while Sumrall remained adamant that Wilson would have practiced if it were game week, the Gators kept him sidelined out of an abundance of caution.
Now healthy, Wilson enters fall camp without any limitations, though Florida plans to closely monitor his practice reps.
“He’s full go. He’s fully cleared,” head coach Jon Sumrall said on Wilson. “He will be a guy that we need to be smart with by how we practice with him to make sure he gets to the dance each Saturday. But he’s ready to roll, and I’m excited to watch it.”
It’s hard to blame the staff for being cautious with a player like Wilson. He’s fast, physical, and a polished route runner. Few players in the country have the ability to elevate a team the way he can.
“Dallas has great energy every day. He’s physically imposing. Can win the 50-50 ball in the air. Has good long speed. Possesses good ball skills. He’s smart. He’s really competitive,” Sumrall said on Wilson. “The biggest thing is giving him a full year of health and availability to maximize the player he can become. He has worked as hard as anybody in our program to be ready to go. He’s had a great summer. He’s looked awesome in all our OTAs.”
Wilson’s return has injected a jolt of energy into the program. Not only is he an incredibly talented receiver, but the energy he brings on and off the field is contagious. One look at last season’s game against Texas shows his competitive nature and how much he loves playing football.
Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner said Wilson’s energy is one of the qualities that makes him stand out.
“Can’t wait to see Dallas. Coach just got done saying he’s a pleasure to be around. He wants to be out there. He’s highly competitive,” Faulkner said. “He is infectious with his energy and he plays as fast as he can on every snap. Some of the best football players that I’ve ever been around play as fast as they can on every single snap, and he has that ability.”
After months of rehab, setbacks, and careful management, Wilson finally has the opportunity to show what made him one of Florida’s most talented young players. If his health holds up, Wilson has the ability to become the centerpiece of the Gators’ passing attack and one of the most impactful receivers in the country.
“I feel like you got to take in every opportunity you get,” Wilson said. “So, every time I wake up, I feel like you never know when it’s going to be your last day playing this game. So, I’m gonna give it my all regardless, and then bring that energy around the others. So I just try to speak it to everyone and be a spokesperson and leader when I’m out there doing it.”