This past weekend, Gator legend Vernell Brown III paid a formal visit to Florida. The 5’11, 170-pound Jones High School graduate from Orlando, Florida is ranked 39th overall and as the sixth top wide receiver in the 2025 class by 247’s composite ranking.
Only Ohio State, Miami, Florida State, and Florida remain in Brown’s list of contenders.
Brown III told Gator Country, “It was a really good visit; I enjoyed every aspect of it.” The main issue, I believe, is that coming back here doesn’t truly seem like a visit because I’ve been here so much and seen so much. Simply interacting with the players, spending time with the staff, and other such activities while kind of in it. It was excellent.
Brown III and Florida’s wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales have a longstanding connection dating back to the receiver’s fourth grade, fostering a strong bond. During Brown III’s official visit (OV), Gonzales presented a detailed plan tailored specifically for him, which made a significant impression.
“He showed me a presentation outlining his vision for me, which was really impactful. People often talk about plans, but seeing it laid out was important. They have ambitious goals for me,” Brown III explained.
While Gonzales didn’t compare him to any single player, he highlighted similarities in playstyles with athletes like Kadarius Toney, Percy Harvin, and Tre Wilson, emphasizing Brown III’s unique qualities and the personalized approach the coaching staff intends to take.
During his visit, Brown III had the opportunity to gather insights from various players about their experiences at the University of Florida. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from current players serves as a major endorsement for head coach Billy Napier and his team during the recruiting cycle.
“Talking to different players gave me a broad perspective. From guys like Tre Wilson, who had a stellar experience, to others still finding their way, everyone had good things to say. The player experience is a key focus for Coach Napier and his staff,” Brown III noted.
Brown III is nearing a decision and intends to narrow his choices down to two schools by July. Despite Florida’s recent on-field performance not matching some other programs in his recruitment, the talented receiver sees an opportunity to contribute to their resurgence.
“While they may not be at the top in terms of recent on-field success, I see potential in helping to rebuild and bring them back into the national spotlight,” Brown III commented.
As he approaches his final official visit in Tallahassee, Florida remains a strong contender for Brown III’s commitment. He highlighted several factors that weigh heavily in their favor.
“When you consider everything—the coaching staff, the positive player experiences, my comfort level, and the fact that I’m from Gainesville and come from a family of Gator fans—Florida stands out,” Brown III explained.
Brown III also shared Billy Napier’s optimistic outlook for the upcoming season, a sentiment echoed by many in the 2025 recruiting class.
“Napier and the staff are confident about where the team is headed. There’s a sense of excitement and belief around the program that’s different from previous years. I’m eager to see that firsthand,” Brown III concluded.