Watching the SEC Tournament, Florida Gators outfielder Buddy Reed was clocked at 3.8 seconds from home to first base. If you’re unaware, that’s flying down the basepaths. Reed is known for his speed, flying around the base paths and patrolling center field but one fan had a question for me on social media; can he play wide receiver.
That’s the current state of the position in Gainesville. No knock against Reed, he was a three-sport star in high school and I’m sure if he set his mind to football he could be a very good player, but he’s occupied this summer playing for the USA Baseball Collegiate National team, so Coach Jim McElwain will need to find another option.
One of those options is sophomore receiver C.J. Worton.
2014 Season Stats: 2 catches, 12 yards
Early on in fall camp Worton appeared to be a star in the making. At six feet, 180-pounds, Worton showed great hands, route running and the ability to get in and out of traffic both with and without the ball. At a position where Florida desperately needed help, it appeared Worton would be able to get on the field early as a freshman. Worton got on the field in the first game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles but was set back by a broken hand — an injury he sustained away from the football field.
He had to battle his way back but only recorded one more catch — against the Missouri Tigers– the rest of the season.
Coming into this season, Worton will have more competition at the position, namely with Brandon Powell, who has moved to receiver full time, but opportunity still presents itself.
Worton has all of the tools to be a solid player for the Gators in the SEC. He’s fast, quick, runs good routes and has some of the best hands on the team. He just needs to put it together on and off the field. Every player and person matures at different rates and with a new coaching staff to impress, coupled with a disappointing freshman season maybe Worton will turn the corner for his sophomore season.