Florida true freshman wide receiver Tank Hawkins has been upgraded from questionable to active, according to Thursday’s SEC Availability Report.
Hawkins has only played 20 snaps for Florida this year — five against Samford and 15 against Texas A&M — but that number could grow with lead receiver Eugene Wilson III recovering from surgery on his knee to address a meniscus injury.
Billy Napier used Hawkins on a sweep play that typically would go to Wilson last week; although, Hawkins was hit hard on the play and the tackler was charged with targeting.
It’s unclear what Hawkins’ injury was coming out of the game, but he was limited enough in the first half of the week to earn that questionable tag on the initial availability report.
Florida has a few options besides Hawkins if the coaching staff feels they need to limit his snap count. Fellow true freshman Aidan Mizell has good speed and caught a touchdown from DJ Lagway against Samford, and redshirt junior Marcus Burke has the size to line up on the outside as a deep threat.
However, it was Taylor Spierto who received the most snaps behind starters Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger last week. Hawkins has one catch for a 36-yard touchdown on two targets this season.
Up next for the Gators
Florida will play their first road game of the season as they travel up to Starkville to play against Mississippi State on Saturday, Sept. 21. Kickoff is set for noon ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.
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