GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gator freshmen Arlis Boardingham, Jordan Castell, Kelby Collins, T.J. Searcy and Eugene Wilson III are being recognized by both the Southeastern Conference’s Coaches as well as the College Football Network as members of various postseason honors.
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Castell, Collins, Searcy and Wilson III were named to the Coaches All-SEC Freshman team while Boardingham, Castell and Wilson III were listed as honorable mentions on the College Football Network’s Freshman All-American Team.
The quartet of Castell, Collins, Searcy and Wilson III marks the first time since 2012 that four Gator freshman have been named to the Freshman All-SEC team.
2012 Gators on Freshman All-SEC Team
Jonathan Bullard, DL
Dante Fowler Jr., DL
D.J. Humphries, OL
Antonio Morrison, LB
2023 Gators on Freshman All-SEC Team
Castell, one of four Gator freshman named to the Freshman All-SEC team, led the team in total tackles (60) and solo tackles (30) while also totaling 1.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and an interception. Castell, who played in all 12 games, recording 11 starts, was the highest rated Gators run defender, of qualifying players, according to PFF (77.1). The Orlando native was named SEC Freshman of the Week and Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Week after the Gators Week 3 victory against No. 11 Tennessee.
Collins appeared in all 12 games in his first season with the Gators, playing a key rotational role on the defensive line. In his time on the gridiron, the freshman from Gardendale, Ala. was able to secure 23 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and sacks, four quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and a forced fumble.
Searcy also provided depth to the Gators defensive line unit and just like his freshman teammate Collins appeared in all of the Gators contests during the 2023 season. He recorded 26 tackles (nine solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.
Eugene Wilson III, who was recently named to the On3 True Freshman All-American team, is the only Gators’ offensive player to be listed on the Coaches Freshman All-SEC team. Wilson III led all FBS true freshman in receptions per game (6.1) while ranking second in receptions (61), tied for second in receiving TDs (six), fourth in receiving yards per game (53.8) and fourth in receiving yards (538).
Gators on College Football Network Freshman All-American Team
Along with Castell and Wilson III, Boardingham was the third Gator to be named as an honorable mention on the College Football Network’s Freshman All-American Team. Boardingham saw the field in all 12 games this season and recorded two starts. He ended the 2023 campaign with 26 catches for 289 yards and four touchdowns. The California native’s strongest outing came in the Gators home victory against Vanderbilt. He hauled in two touchdowns and finished the contest with seven receptions for 99 yards earning him SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors.
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