Florida freshman receiver Latroy Pittman, who enrolled early in January, wasn’t hyped as an elite recruit. But he delivered like a prime prospect this spring.
The 6-0, 201-pound Pittman capped an impressive 15 days of practice by catching two passes for 51 yards in the spring game in front of an estimated 38,100 fans.
Pittman’s first catch from quarterback Jacoby Brissett covered 43 yards, as he easily beat man coverage on the outside deep downfield. The long reception came on 3rd-and-8 and led to the game’s first touchdown.
Pittman’s day could have been even greater. Later in the game, Brissett overthrew him after he easily beat the secondary for what likely would have been a 55-yard touchdown.
UF does not allow freshmen to speak to the media, so Pittman couldn’t comment on his progress. However, his coach and teammates were eager to talk about the emerging standout.
“He’s done a nice job, he really has,” said coach Will Muschamp, who named Pittman the Offensive Player of the Day in the team’s second scrimmage following the third week of drills.
“He’s a hard worker. Football is important to him. We had him in camp a year ago. We really liked him. We liked him at receiver. We liked him at defensive back. He’s a talented young man. He’s physical. He’s tough. He’s got ball instincts. He’s got play-making ability, so we’re very pleased with his progress.”
UF missed out on signing five-star receiver prospects Stefon Diggs and Nelson Agholor in February, but Pittman might soon make every Gators fan forget that duo.
“He’s been showing us he can make plays,” Brissett said. “The only thing we can do is just throw the ball up and give him a chance. He’s capitalized on his opportunity.”
Even Florida’s veteran receivers have been impressed with Pittman’s ability to quickly adapt to college and succeed at a high level.
“The guy just makes plays,” said redshirt sophomore receiver Quinton Dunbar. “That’s all
I can say. He’s very good.”
Florida heads into the fall desperatly needing receivers to elevate their play. No returning receiver caught more than 16 passes last season.
“He’s played as well as anybody from his very first practice,” sophomore fullback Hunter Joyer said. “He’s always been incredible out there. He’s a guy we will really count on this year. It was great to see him come through in front of a big crowd (in the spring game).”