Florida football WR Vernell Brown III named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week

Florida football's sophomore wide receiver Vernell Brown III has been named the Southeastern Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week. Brown, who leads the Gators in receptions (9), receiving yards (160) and touchdowns (2), was honored for his stellar performance in the Gators' 52-3 victory over Campbell on Monday. In the second quarter, Brown returned two punts for touchdowns, covering 64 and 70 yards respectively.

This remarkable feat made him the first University of Florida player since Jacquez Green in 1996 to record two punt return touchdowns in a game. Brown's performance was so impressive that he broke the program record for punt return yards, previously held by Brandon James in 2007. As a receiver, Brown finished with 43 yards and a touchdown, becoming the first wide receiver since Kadarius Toney in 2020 to score three times in a single game.

Brown reflected on the significance of his achievement, stating, "The legacy to have my father, grandfather, other family members come before me and obviously do their job, to continue the legacy while setting a new standard hopefully for the ones that come behind me is a blessing." Florida's next SEC game is against Auburn on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.