Vernell Brown III, left, and Dallas Wilson form arguably the top freshman receiver duo in the country. (Photo: Morgan Hurd/UAA Communications)
VB3 And Big D: Rookies Playing Like Vets For Gators
Friday, October 10, 2025 | Football, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Their one-handed catches and touchdown grabs are much easier to find nowadays. You can log onto ESPN.com or search their names on Google, and you're sure to find the latest highlights of Gators receivers Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson.
But before they both lined up on Florida Field together for the first time in last week's win over Texas, the task required more effort and patience. Brown and Wilson made names for themselves as young teenagers on the 7-on-7 youth football circuit. They later became hot-shot recruits in high school, Brown at Jones High in Orlando, and Wilson at Tampa Bay Tech.
Take the time to input precise search data, and you can find footage from a few years ago of Brown and Wilson running around in tight-fitting tops, shorts and leather helmets reminiscent of those worn in the early days of college and professional football. The 7-on-7 version of the game emphasizes flash over substance. The players don't wear pads, and no tackling is allowed.
It's a skill player's showcase. And various clips here and there on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok reveal why Brown and Wilson emerged as elite recruits by the time they were seniors in high school.
"We've been playing on the same team for a long time, but first time we're in pads and got to play together,'' said Brown, adding the two were part of the same Tampa-based 7-on-7 team in their formative years. "It's exciting, man. I like to say we're the two best freshmen receivers in the country."
Vernell Brown III hauls in a 60-yard reception in the win over Texas. (Photo: Morgan Hurd/UAA Communications)
Brown's college career is just five games old, and Wilson made his debut in the 29-21 victory over Texas. Wilson missed the first four games due to a foot injury he suffered in preseason camp.
But like Brown, whose spectacular one-handed catch in the season opener against Long Island made "SportsCenter," Wilson burst out of the gate with a six-catch, two-touchdown, 111-yard performance a week ago. Wilson adds a dynamic weapon to a Florida offense that had scored only 33 points in the previous three games.
Wilson's highlight moment came in the third quarter when he caught a pass from quarterback DJ Lagway at Texas' 37-yard line, spun around to stay in bounds as a Longhorn defender tried to take him down, and then clobbered Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe at the goal line to cap a dazzling 55-yard catch-and-run score.
"He gave us a surge and a spark,'' UF linebacker Myles Graham said.
Veteran center Jake Slaughter watched from afar as Wilson made the catch near the Texas sideline and used his speed, agility and toughness to finish the job.
Slaughter cheered along with the sold-out crowd at The Swamp.
"I remember thinking 'good grief.' He didn't step out right there,'' Slaughter said. "He had broken a tackle. I said it before, and I'll say it again: I'm glad I'm not playing against him."
Slaughter said Wilson and Brown both bring unique talents. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Wilson is a physical presence who is bigger, faster and stronger than most defensive backs, and the 5-foot-11, 178-pound Brown is a shifty speedster who has the poise and football IQ of an NFL veteran.
"You look at Dallas and you're like, 'That guy is a freakshow.' You know it off jump. You see him run, and you see him jump. You know how competitive he is. VBIII, with the way he carries himself as a man, and how he is as a ballplayer. It's two guys that you love to have around. I'm super happy for them and super proud of them."
Both had offers to go elsewhere – and Wilson did, initially signing with Oregon – before joining the Gators in January. Brown is a legacy Gator, the son of former UF defensive back Vernell Brown Jr. and grandson of Vernell Brown, who played for Florida in the 1980s. Wilson grew up in Tampa and was raised by his grandmother. His mom passed away when he was young.
They share a common trait.
"They came to play with DJ,'' Florida coach Billy Napier said.
Dallas Wilson made an immediate impact in his Gators debut. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
In his first game with both receivers in his bag of ammunition, Lagway turned in one of the best performances of his young career. He completed 21 of 28 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns, both to Wilson. Brown caught three passes for 72 yards and had the game's longest play for the Gators with a 60-yard leaping reception. Brown leads the Gators with 21 catches for 291 yards, and he has averaged 16.4 yards on eight punt returns.
While the 19-year-old Wilson had to wait his turn because of an injury, 18-year-old Brown has been a factor from the start. He grew up a Gators fan sleeping in a bed with Florida-themed sheets.
Brown has made the transition to college look as easy as running a wheel route.
"Coming in, I always strived to play as a freshman, contribute to the team,'' he said. "That's just a testament to the process. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to contribute so early.
"I still have to make a name for myself."
Both Brown and Wilson have done that before, and they are doing it again.
