Gators’ Vernell Brown III ruled out vs. Georgia, leaving UF without leading receiver

GAINESVILLE — Florida starting receiver Vernell Brown III will miss his first Georgia game with a shoulder injury, leaving the Gators without one their most dynamic weapons and productive players.

The former Orlando Jones standout and tailback Jadan Baugh are tied with 726 all-purpose yards, including a team-high 451 receiving yards for Brown. Among the true freshman’s team-leading 32 receptions are three of UF’s four pass plays of at least 40 yards.

The 5-foot-11 ¼, 178-pound Brown has been a bright spot on an offense averaging an SEC-low 17 points against FBS competition. But he injured a shoulder during the Gators’ 23-21 homecoming win Oct. 18 against Mississippi State.

The ailment isn’t considered significant enough to sideline Brown for long.

Meanwhile, interim head coach Billy Gonzales, the Gators’ longtime receivers coach, also ruled out redshirt sophomore receiver Aidan Mizell. The absence of Brown and Mizell, a former Orlando Boone star, will require true freshman phenom Dallas Wilson, who has 11 catches and three touchdowns in three games, and UCLA transfer J. Michael Sturdivant (15 catches, 214 yards, one score) to shoulder more responsibility.

Redshirt sophomore Tre Wilson will also receive more opportunities during a disappointing season featuring just 118 receiving yards on 18 catches. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman TJ Abrams, who averages 16.2 yards on six catches, also could have a larger role as the Gators aim to play more multi-receiver packages.

In addition to Brown and Mizell, backup tailback Ja’Kobi Jackson will miss his fourth straight game while true freshman Duke Clark is questionable. Redshirt freshman KD Daniels served as Baugh’s backup against Mississippi State.

Florida is due to return three starters in the secondary after three-year starting safety Jordan Castell and cornerback Cormani McClain sat out homecoming while cornerback Devin Moore left the game and returned with a sling on his right shoulder. Backup tight end Tony Livingston also is cleared after sitting out against Mississippi State.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at moc.lenitnesodnalro@nospmohtge