Freshman Green catches on quickly

GAINESVILLE — The 2017 Florida Gators expected to field their deepest receiving corps in years.

And that was before freshman Daquon Green showed up.

The 6-foot-1, 187-pound Green has been sure-handed and assignment sound for a first-year player, earning him snaps with the first-team offense.

“Boy, he’s done a good job,” coach Jim McElwain said. “Obviously swims a little bit on some of the things we’re asking him to do. But he’s a guy that goes out and goes about his business.

“He’s got really good body.”

UF returned five receivers who had at least 14 receptions or two touchdowns or more last season. But the suspension of leading WR Antonio Callaway has given other players opportunities.

Green quickly has proven himself ready to contribute after catching 72 passes for 1,373 yards and 19 touchdowns during his final two seasons at Tampa Bay Tech.

“Daquon does a really good job at paying attention to detail and not making the same mistake twice,” QB Luke Del Rio said. “You know you’re going to make mistakes but you have to continue to correct them. He’s a bright guy who’s practicing really hard, physical and can help us win this year.”

Next game: UF vs. Michigan 2, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Edgar Thompson hands, and he’s got (Arlington, big strong Texas), Sept.