When Elijhah Badger transferred to Florida from Arizona State in May, questions arose about his ability to quickly adapt to a new offensive system. However, through dedicated film study with Florida Gators wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales, the 6-foot-1, 192-pound senior has rapidly integrated into the team’s offense.
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Badger’s hard work has paid off, as he currently ranks second on the team in both receptions (6) and receiving yards (166). He aims to build on this success when Florida opens SEC play against Texas A&M at The Swamp on Saturday (3:30 p.m., ABC).
Florida coach Billy Napier has noticed Badger’s progress, stating, “He’s getting more confident, comfortable in the system. I think just reality that he can do it. He’s made some plays. I think he’s getting into a little bit of a routine. Yeah, at receiver I think confidence is huge, right?”
Despite Badger’s impressive stats from his last two seasons at Arizona State (1,579 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions on 135 catches), the Florida program insisted he earn his role rather than automatically granting him a starting position.
Initially, Badger found himself on the outside looking in for a starting role. Tre Wilson and Chimere Dike had secured their positions, with Kahleil Jackson seemingly next in line.
Napier’s assessment after the third practice session of fall camp highlighted Badger’s potential: “I do think that Badger has made progress and it showed up I think yesterday is where I was like, ‘OK, I can kind of see – he is explosive, he is athletic, he can run after the catch. He has a vertical threat to his game. And he’s got play strength and he’s got length; he’s a 6-1 guy but he’s got great, great length. So yeah, I like the look in his eyes.”
While Jackson started against Miami in the season opener, Badger made an impressive debut, catching three passes for 43 yards on five targets, finishing second on the team behind Wilson. Badger’s role expanded further when Jackson suffered a season-ending ACL injury before last week’s Samford game.
In the Samford game, Badger demonstrated his versatility by gaining 54 of his 123 receiving yards after the catch. His reputation as a physical playmaker from Arizona State was evident in a spectacular 77-yard reception and other impressive catches, where he skillfully evaded defenders and broke tackles.
Badger’s confidence is clear in his own words: “People just can’t tackle me. I’m hard to go down. I never let the first person tackle me for real. I feel like I’ve got a running back mentality when I run the ball.”
With Jackson’s injury and Tre Wilson listed as questionable for the upcoming Texas A&M game, Badger has a prime opportunity to solidify his position as a starter in Florida’s lineup. His journey from transfer to potential key player exemplifies the impact of hard work and adaptability in college football.
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