Gator legacy Vernell Brown III took an official visit to Florida this weekend. The 5’11, 170-pound Jones High School product (Orlando, Fl) ranks as the 6th best wide receiver in the 2025 class and the 39th overall recruit, according to 247’s composite ranking.
Brown is down to four schools: Ohio State, Miami, Florida State, and Florida.
“It was a really good visit; I enjoyed every aspect of it, Brown III told Gator Country. “I think the biggest thing, because I’ve been here so much, seen a lot, it doesn’t really feel like a visit when I come back here. Just kind of in it, hanging out, hanging out with the players, spending time around the staff and stuff like that. It was really good.”
Brown III and Florida’s WR coach Billy Gonzales go way back, as the two have known each other since the pass Catcher attended fourth grade. During his OV, Gonzales presented Brown III with a comprehensive proposal.
That was significant because he presented his plan for me to me in a presentation. It’s a common topic of conversation, therefore it was beneficial that he demonstrated it in person. Big ideas are in the works, Brown III added.
“They don’t put me in the same category as one player, but my playstyle is comparable to that of Tre Wilson, Percy Harvin, and Kadarius Toney.” Since I’m different, the plan they have is tailored just for me, Brown III continued.
Brown III had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of various athletes’ experiences at the University of Florida. The favorable comments are a major selling factor for Billy Napier and
“When you get a chance to be around different players you get to hear different experiences. You have the Tre Wilson’s, who generally have the perfect experience, and someone else who is still working their way up. I didn’t hear anything bad, all the players are enjoying it, which is a big selling point for coach Napier and his staff talking about the player experience,” Brown III said.
Brown III is looking to cut his list down to two schools before committing in July. It’s no secret that Florida hasn’t had the on-field success that some of the other teams in Brown III’s recruitment have seen in recent years, but the speedy pass catcher finds the opportunity to help Florida get back to the National spotlight.
“They obviously aren’t the top program when it comes to winning on the field, but I think there’s beauty in helping build that, kind of bringing it back for a lack of better words,” Brown III said.
Florida sits in a good of a spot as any heading into Brown III’s final official visit in Tallahassee.
Brown III explained why Florida is a contender by saying, “When you look at all aspects, the staff, player experience, me feeling comfortable here and then me being from Gainesville, growing up in a Gator family.”
Brown III conveyed a message that other players in the 2025 class have expressed to us: Florida is optimistic about their team’s prospects for the upcoming campaign.
In response to Billy Napier’s message, Brown III stated, “He feels like the team is in a very different position than they have been the last few years.” “Everyone in the building has faith in the prospects for this season.” It’s something I’m quite excited to witness.
