After observing two days of practice, Gator Country provides you five freshmen you should be keeping tabs on throughout spring camp.
Edge Jayden Woods
The freshman I have heard the most about is Jayden Woods. Strength and conditioning coach Tyler Miles said Woods sets the tone in the weight room, which is high praise for someone who has only been on campus a few months.
“He’s young and he’s quiet, but Jayden Woods has set the tone, especially for the defense,” Miles said on Woods. “The guys are noticing, like, who is this kid?”
Woods was a late addition into the Gators 2025 class, flipping from Penn State, who has a strong history of elite edge evaluations. Playing for Mill Valley High School in Shawnee Kansas, Woods racked up 212 tackles (101 solo), 25.5 TFLs, 18.5 sacks, 29 QB hurries, 12 pass break-ups, seven forced fumbles and an interception over his high school career.
Standing at 6’3, 240 pounds, Woods has the build and strength to play early on in his career. Woods is currently working at the JACK position along with LJ McCray and George Gumbs, and Kofi Asare.
WR Dallas Wilson
Dallas Wilson caught my eye during Florida’s first spring practice on Thursday. At 6’3, 209 pounds, Wilson has the build to play in year one. Wilson’s rare combination of size and speed is something that you don’t see from many rookies. As a true X receiver, the door is open for Wilson to make a case for serious playing time this spring. The reports are strong on all three freshmen receivers through two days of practice.
DB Lagonza Hayward
Safety Lagonza Hayward is someone I’m keeping a close eye on at the STAR position. With Sharif Denson and Aaron Gates both injured, multiple freshmen will get reps at the STAR position during spring camp. Hayward is one of those freshmen that will get this opportunity, according to Billy Napier. Hayward has the size, speed, and athleticism that matches up with the physicality needed to play STAR. Gates will likely miss significant time in 2025, which means there’s an opportunity for playing time at the STAR position as Florida tends to split those snaps 50/50.
WR Naeshaun Montgomery
Perhaps the most underrated recruit in Florida’s 2025 class, Naeshaun Montgomery has hit the ground running with an impressive first few days of spring camp. Montgomery doesn’t quite have the speed or explosiveness as Vernell Brown III or Dallas Wilson, but he might be the most polished rookie wide receiver. After watching Montgomery in the UA All-American camp, it was clear he belonged among the most talented players in the country. The 6’1, 186-pound receiver understands spacing and how to create leverage. Montgomery is a finesse receiver that has above average hands. Florida’s staff believes Montgomery can play early on in his career.
DB Ben Hanks III
Legacy signee Ben Hanks III is another player that will have a huge opportunity in spring camp given the departures and injuries in Florida’s secondary. With Jameer Grimsley out and Dijon Johnson expected back in the back half of camp, Hanks could realistically be getting reps as a starting cornerback this spring.
“He’s smooth. He’s smooth for sure,” teammate Devin Moore said on Hanks III. “He’s got some great ball skills, great feet, and he’s a hard worker ready to learn. I made sure he sat next to me in meetings, trying to take him under my wing, make sure he takes all the right notes, doing all the right things. He’s going to be nice.”
One thing holding Hanks III back is his weight. Listed at 180 pounds, Hanks III is the lightest scholarship defensive back on the team, and that is evident on the practice field. That will be something to watch as Hanks III tries to put on muscle throughout the offseason.