Vernell Brown III pursues improvement as Florida return specialist

Florida sophomore wide receiver Vernell Brown III is preparing for a larger impact on special teams during the 2026 season. After earning preseason All-SEC third team honors, Brown intends to improve his production as a punt returner. Last season, he averaged 11.7 yards per punt return and recorded 261 total return yards. While teammates J'Vari Flowers and London Montgomery are expected to handle kickoff returns, Brown remains available for those duties if required. The program has emphasized special teams under coach Jon Sumrall, adding specialists Johnathan Galante and analyst Greg McMahon to the staff. Brown has stated his primary goal is to score a touchdown on a punt return, an achievement the Florida Gators have not reached since 2020.

• 5:01 PMYahoo Sports — Why VBIII is motivated to produce more big returns for Florida football