The Best Gators at Each (Almost) Jersey Number
I recently stumbled across an all-time UF football roster. I use to term “all-time” loosely because it only went back to the mid-60s (although I’m not exactly sure when UF started putting numbers on jerseys), but despite that it was extremely thorough for the years it did contain. So I present to you – in by far the largest article to ever grace this site – the best Gator football players at each jersey number. Well almost. You see, in my humble opinion (and that of a friend –
There is a slight lean toward more recent players for a few reasons. First of all, being 29 years old, I only know what I read about any Gators that played earlier than the late 80’s. And second, with the internet still a relatively recent invention and the media explosion of the current generation we live in, most of the information anyone can find only goes back so far. But if I’ve missed anyone, or any of you have some great information about Gator stars of the past, feel free to let me know.
Editor’s Note: The year(s) in parentheses is the year(s) the player wore the number, which isn’t always their entire career.
1 – Reggie Nelson, DB (2006) – Although Nelson only wore #1 for 1 season, he was the star of the defense and always made the big play when needed. Not only was Nelson one of the top safeties in the nation (he should have won the Thorpe that year); he made the rest of the secondary look like All-Americans. In 2006, Nelson was a consensus 1st-team All-American and a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy and Thorpe Award. Honorable Mention: Percy Harvin, WR (Current)
2 – Will White, DB (1990-92) – White was a key member of Steve Spurrier’s first few Gator teams. A ball hawk, White finished his career with a then UF record 14 interceptions. The teams he was part of are usually overshadowed by the powerhouses from 1993 to 1996, but White was one of the standouts that will always be remembered. Honorable Mention: Bo Carroll, HB (1997-2000)
3 – Lito Sheppard, DB (1999-2001) – One play will always stand out in my mind when I think of Sheppard. Against Middle Tennessee, the student section in The Swamp started chanting Lito’s name as he went back to return a punt. The chant quickly carried throughout the entire stadium and definitely seemed to energize Sheppard as he went 54 yards for a touchdown. Over his career, Sheppard was a 2-time All-American, a solid cover corner, and one of the most feared kick returners in the nation. Honorable Mention: Larry Kennedy, DB (1991-94)
4 – Lawrence Wright, DB (1993-96) – Not surprisingly, Wright’s career coincided with the 4 glory years in the mid-90’s. He was one of the hardest hitters to ever wear a Gator uniform, but one of the smartest defenders at the same time. Wright was feared by opponents and definitely had some highlight reel hits over the course of his career. In 1996, while helping the Gators win their first national championship, Wright won the Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back. Honorable Mention: Marquand Manuel, DB (1997-2001)
5 – Andre Caldwell, WR (2003-2007) – The first non-defensive back to make the list, the younger Caldwell solidified his place when he surpassed Carlos Alvarez to become the Gators’ all-time leading receiver. Over the course of his career, Caldwell caught 188 passes for 2,349 yards (3rd all-time). He was a key part of the Gator offense during the 2006 national title season and was always able to make the tough catch when opposing defenses keyed on Dallas Baker and Percy Harvin. Honorable Mention: Jacquez Green, WR (1996-97)
6 – Taylor Jacobs, WR (1998-2002) – Jacobs fell into much of the same situation as Green did years earlier. In 1997, Green put up big numbers after stars Reidel Anthony and Ike Hilliard left for the NFL. In 2002, Jacobs did the same while Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney were playing on Sundays. He quietly finished his career 10th on the all-time Gators’ reception list with 133. Honorable Mention: Judd Davis, K (1993-94)
7 – Danny Wuerffel, QB (1992-96) – Not sure if I need to tell anyone why Wuerffel was the choice, but here goes. 4 SEC titles, 1 national title, 1 Heisman Trophy, 1 Maxwell Award, 1 Walter Camp Award, 2 Davey O’Brien Awards, and 2 1st-team All-American Selections. Not only is Wuerffel the best player to ever wear a Gator jersey, he’s one of the best college quarterbacks in the history of the game. Honorable Mention: John Reaves, QB (1969-71)
8 – Rex Grossman, QB (1999-2002) – In 2001, Grossman passed for a Gator record 3,896 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing 66 percent of his passes. He finished 2nd in Heisman Trophy voting, narrowly losing out to Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch, but did manage to take home the AP National Player of the Year award. Grossman finished his career as the 2nd highest rated passer in UF history behind only Danny Wuerffel. Honorable Mention: Percy Harvin, WR (2006)
9 – Shane Matthews, QB (1990-92) – Most Gator fans my age grew up idolizing Matthews. With Danny Wuerffel, Rex Grossman, Chris Leak, and Tim Tebow staring at quarterback after him, it is easy for some fans to forget Matthews, but his accomplishments speak volumes. When he left UF, Matthews topped the Gator charts in rating, completions, attempts, yards, and touchdowns. Honorable Mention: Darrell Jackson, WR (1997-99)
10 – Jabar Gaffney, WR (2000-01) – What Gaffney did in only 2 years in a Gators’ jersey was pretty remarkable. After 2 seasons, Gaffney left UF ranked 9th in receptions, 2nd in yards, and 4th in touchdowns on the Gators’ career lists. He also has a pretty strong family line as his father (#23 on this list), 3 uncles, and cousin (#3) all played for UF. Honorable Mention: Eric Wilbur, P (2003-06)
11 – Steve Spurrier, QB (1964-66) – Like the best player he coached (#7 on the list), Spurrier is the other Gator who should hold down his spot for eternity. Younger fans only saw him as the head coach that lead the Gators to a national championship in 1996 and 6 SEC titles, but have surely heard stories of Spurrier the player. Leading the Gators to an Orange Bowl victory in 1966, Spurrier also took home the Heisman Trophy. He also had the pleasure of wearing what I believe is the best uniform UF has ever had (just take a look at how good the Gators looked against Alabama wearing the throwbacks in 2006). Honorable Mention: Ben Hanks, LB (1992-95).
12 – Chris Leak, QB (2003-06) – There are only 2 quarterbacks to lead the Gators to a national title and Leak is one of them. He came into UF with higher expectations than anyone in recent memory, and after struggling for much of his career to maintain consistency – Leak often went from great one game to average the next – he put it all together his senior year and led the Gators to the 2006 national championship. Leak left UF as the Gators’ all-time leader in completions, attempts, and yards and finished 2nd in touchdowns behind only #7. Honorable Mention: Kerwin Bell, QB (1984-87)
13 – Alex Brown, DE (1998-01) – Brown sandwiched an average junior year with monster sophomore and senior seasons. He still holds the top spot on the Gator charts in single season and career sacks (6 more than 2nd place). In a game against defending national champion Tennessee in 1999, Brown sacked quarterback Tee Martin 5 times. He was selected 1st-Team All-SEC for 3 straight years. Honorable Mention: Ray Criswell, P (1982-85)
14 – Bruce Bennett, DB (1963-65) – Bennett held the UF interception record with 13 for 17 years until Will White and then Fred Weary came along. To this day, he is still considered one of the greatest Gator defensive backs ever. Honorable Mention: Shayne Edge, P (1991-94)
15 – Tim Tebow, QB (Current) – One of only two active Gators to take a spot on the list and with good reason. In 2007, Tebow became the third UF player to win the Heisman Trophy and also took home too many other awards to name. As I’m sure everyone already knows, he is the only player in NCAA history to pass for 20 touchdowns and rush for 20 touchdowns in the same season. When his career is said and done, Tebow will easily go down as one of the greatest Gators of all-time. Honorable Mention: Reidel Anthony, WR (1994-96)
16 – Chris Perkins, K (1983-84) – Consider Perkins a place holder at the moment, but he does make the list because he is the only Gator kicker to ever connect on a field goal of 60 yards or greater as he did so against Tulane in 1984. Honorable Mention: Vernell Brown, Jr., DB (2001-05)
17 – Reche Caldwell, WR (1998-2001) – Caldwell joins his younger brother Andre (#5) on the list. Currently 8th on the all-time receptions list (141), Caldwell was a 3rd-team All-American his junior year as he totaled 65 catches for 1,059 yards and 10 touchdowns. Honorable Mention: N/A
18 – Louis Oliver, DB (1985-88) – Oliver holds the distinction of going from walk-on to 1st-Team All-American. During his time in the secondary, Oliver and Jarvis Williams helped formed one of the most feared secondaries in the nation. Honorable Mention: N/A
19 – Ike Hilliard, WR (1994-96) – Hilliard and Reidel Anthony paired to form the best receiving duo in Gator history. In his final year, both were named 1st-team All-Americans. Hilliard finished his career 7th in all-time receiving yards and tied for 2nd in touchdowns. He is always remembered as making the famous catch and stop against FSU in the 1996 national title game. Honorable Mention: N/A
20 – N/A
21 – Fred Taylor, RB (1994-97) – Taylor was the prototypical running back. With great size and speed, he could run over you or around you. Taylor was so good that during his final year he pushed Elijah Williams – UF’s 9th all-time leading rusher – over to the defensive side of the ball. Taylor ranks 4th all-time in rushing yards, yards per carry, and touchdowns. In 2007, he became the 21st player in NFL history to rush for over 10,000 yards. Honorable Mention: Cris Collinsworth, WR (1977-80)
22 – Emmitt Smith, RB (1987-1989) – A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Smith finished in the top 10 in Heisman Trophy voting twice and was 1st-team All-SEC during all 3 of his years. He holds nearly every game and season UF rushing record and currently has the most touchdowns ever scored by a Gator. Despite leaving Florida a year early, Smith trails only Errict Rhett on the career rushing list. The NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Smith is a lock for the Hall of Fame when he is eligible. Honorable Mention: John L. Williams, RB (1982-85)
23 – Derrick Gaffney, WR (1976-77) – The elder Gaffney tied a NCAA record when he was on the receiving end of a 99-yard touchdown pass against Rice in 1977. One of his best friends and teammates (scroll down to #89) is his son’s (scroll up to #10) godfather. Honorable Mention: N/A
24 – Fred Weary, DB (1993-97) – Weary broke a record held by Will White, finishing his career with 15 interceptions. Easily one of the most recognizable corners in Gator history, Weary was typically the most reliable member of a number of star-studded secondaries. Honorable Mention: Tre Everett, WR (1989-92)
25 – Elijah Williams, RB/DB (1994-97) – Williams has the distinction of excelling at 2 very different positions. For his first 3 seasons, he was primarily used as a running back (he is 1st on the Gator’s all-time yards per carry list for players that carried the ball more than 250 times). But he was switched to cornerback his senior year as Fred Taylor became the primary ball carrier. Williams became a star defender and went on to play the position in the NFL. Honorable Mention: Lee McGriff, WR (1972-74)
26 – Jarvis Williams, DB (1983-87) – Williams and Louis Oliver were part of one of the hardest hitting secondaries in the nation. He didn’t seem to mind allowing a receiver to catch the ball, since he knew there was no way the WR would hold onto it once he ran through them. Honorable Mention: Todd Johnson, DB (1999-2002)
27 – Neal Anderson, RB (1982-85) – Anderson left UF as the all-time leader in attempts, yards, and touchdowns (he is current 3rd in attempts and yards and 6th in touchdowns). He is usually lost in discussions of great backs because Emmitt Smith came after him at UF and Walter Payton came before him with the Chicago Bears. Honorable Mention: N/A
28 – Chris Doering, WR (1992-95) – Doering actually put up better reception and touchdown numbers over his career than teammates Reidel Anthony and Ike Hilliard. He is still currently the Gators all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 31. Honorable Mention: Ryan Smith, DB (2006)
29 – Mike Peterson, LB (1995-98) – A solid defender for the Gators, Peterson is one of those cases of a player who has actually been better in the NFL than he was in college. He was named to the All-SEC 1st-team during his final season. Honorable Mention: N/A
30 – Earl Everett, LB (2003-06) – Coming to UF with safety’s size, Everett turned into the most dependable members of the defense during his final 2 years. While Brandon Siler was the big hitter, Everett was a sure tackler that was rarely – if ever – out of position. He was immortalized during the 2007 national championship game when he lost his helmet but still caught Heisman quarterback Troy Smith to record a sack. Honorable Mention: N/A
31 – Carlton Miles, LB (1989-92) – Miles led the Gators in tackles in 1992 with 142 after also leading the team the year before with 102. Honorable Mention: N/A
32 – Reggie Nelson, DB (2005) – I’m going to cheat a little and put Nelson on the list twice. The reason is simple, odds are the Honorable Mention for #1 will supplant him after the 2008 season and Nelson was so good he needs to be listed somewhere. That and he was pretty good when he wore #32 as well. Honorable Mention: N/A
33 – Errict Rhett, RB (1989-93) – Rhett was not only a force out of the backfield, but also the best pass catching running back the Gators have ever seen. He is the Gators’ all-time leading rusher (4,163 yards), but also ranks 4th on the career receptions list (153). Only 1 other player – Emmitt Smith – has come within 900 yards of Rhett’s career total. Honorable Mention: Larry Smith, RB (1966-68)
34 – N/A
35 – Larry Dupree, RB (1962-64) – A hard-nosed runner, Dupree led the Gators in rushing during all 3 of his seasons and in 1962 he led the SEC with 604 yards. Honorable Mention: Reynaldo Hill, DB (2003-04)
36 – N/A
37 – N/A
38 – Matt Piotrowicz, K (2000-04) – A fan favorite, Piotrowicz handled kick off duties for 4 straight years. Piotrowicz was also a dangerous gunner on kickoffs. Unlike most kickers, he would be right in the thick of the action and could land a big hit from time to time. Honorable Mention: N/A
39 – N/A
40 – Brandon Siler, LB (2004-06) – An energizing force, Siler led both vocally and by his play on the field. With amazing speed for a linebacker, Siler was always around the ball. He led the team in tackles his freshman year despite only starting half of the Gators’ games. Siler earned All-SEC honors during his junior year while leading UF to the national title. Honorable Mention: N/A
41 – N/A
42 – Jevon Kearse, LB (1995-98) – “The Freak” was just that. After playing safety in high school, he moved to linebacker for the Gators, and now plays defensive end in the NFL. Although you won’t find him near the top of the all-time tackles or sack lists, Kearse did rack up 16.5 sacks during his career and was one of the most imposing physical specimens to ever put on a Gator jersey. Honorable Mention: Byron Hardmon, LB (1999-2002)
43 – Glenn Cameron, LB (1972-74) – An All-American, Cameron led the Gators in tackles in 1984 with 185. Honorable Mention: N/A
44 – James Bates, LB (1992-96) – Bates was an All-SEC selection while starting at linebacker for the 1996 national championship team. From a football family, Bates was gifted with a high football IQ. Younger Gator fans might not remember him much on the field, but certainly are aware of The James Bates Show. Honorable Mention: N/A
45 – Carlos Alvarez, WR (1969-71) – What could have been if the offense had utilized Alvarez for his entire career the way it did in 1969? That year Alvarez set a Gator record with 88 receptions. He would only total 84 over the next 2 seasons. Despite that, Alvarez held the UF career receptions record for 36 years and he is still at the top of the career yardage list. Honorable Mention: Andra Davis, LB (1997-2001)
46 – N/A
47 – N/A
48 – Dexter Daniels, LB (1992-95) – The Gators have had a number of good linebackers over the years – especially during the 90’s – and Daniels was no exception. A highly rated recruit coming out of high school, Daniels was a solid tackler and hard hitter for his entire career. Honorable Mention: N/A
49 – Jeff Chandler, K (1997-2001) – Chandler scored 368 points over his career as a Gator – 118 more than the 2nd place guy. He holds ever major school kicking record and was incredibly accurate in doing so. Chandler converted 83 percent of his field goals – 2nd only to Bobby Raymond. Honorable Mention: Fernando Jackson, LB (1979-82)
50 – Brad Culpepper, DT (1988-91) – Culpepper is a player who’s contributions cannot be measured with statistics. Sort of a throwback, Culpepper was not afraid to get down and dirty. He was a superb run stopper and a force in the middle of the line. Honorable Mention: N/A
51 – David Little, LB (1977-80) – Little is the leading tackler in UF history with 475. Along with Scott Brantley (2nd on the all-time list with 469), the Gators had an extremely talented linebacker unit. Little went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 12 seasons and sadly passed away in an accident in 2005. Honorable Mention: Brandon Spikes, LB (Current)
52 – N/A
53 – Charlie Williams, LB (1974-77) – Williams – who totaled 409 tackles during his career – actually played with the other 3 Gators to also go over 400. It’s hard to tell if this was because of the way tackles are tabulated or if the Gator linebackers of that time were just that good, but for now we will give Williams the benefit of the doubt. Honorable Mention: N/A
54 – N/A
55 – Scot Brantley, LB (1976-79) – Brantley is the most recognizable of the 70’s linebackers. The former All-American ranks 2nd on the career tackles list and has 2 of the top 7 single season totals. His brother – John – was a quarterback for the Gators and his nephew – John – is a quarterback for the Gators. Honorable Mention: Channing Crowder, LB (2003-04)
56 – Clifford Charlton, LB (1985-87) – From 1980 to 1990, UF typically used an outside linebacker as a pass rusher. The 4 players primarily used in that capacity – Wilber Marshall, Alonzo Johnson, Charlton, and Huey Richardson – are currently 2nd through 5th on the career sacks list. All 4 also happen to be on this list. Charlton ranks 4th all-time with 25 sacks. Honorable Mention: N/A
57 – Kevin Carter, DE (1991-94) – A 1st-team All-American and 2-time 1st-team All-SEC selection, Carter was inducted into the UF Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. He ranks 6th on the Gators’ career sack list and has the 4th highest single season total ever with 11.5 his senior season. Honorable Mention: N/A
58 – Johnny Rutledge, LB (1995-98) – As only a sophomore, Rutledge was 2nd on the team with 99 tackles during the 1996 national championship season while leading the team with 12 tackles for loss. Honorable Mention: N/A
59 – N/A
60 – N/A
61 – Ellis Johnson, DT (1991-94) – Johnson and Kevin Carter formed one of the best defensive line duos in college football for a few years in the early 90’s. While Carter was racking up the sacks, Johnson was busy in the middle of the line occupying offensive linemen. Honorable Mention: Gerard Warren, 61 (1997-00)
62 – N/A
63 – Jim Tartt, G (Current) – With Tim Tebow, Tartt is one of only two active Gators to make the list. Extremely underrated, Tartt has been the most consistent offensive lineman over the past 2 years and should have a big season in 2008. Honorable Mention: N/A
64 – N/A
65 – N/A
66 – N/A
67 – N/A
68 – Mike Degory, C (2001-05) – Degory was one of the most fundamentally sound football players to ever play for the Gators. He had incredible football smarts and started all 50 games he played during his career – something only accomplished by Degory and Larry Kennedy. He anchored the offensive line during the last 2 seasons in which the Gators had a 1,000 yard rusher (2002, 2004). Honorable Mention: Rhondy Weston, DT (1985-88)
69 – Zach Piller, T (1996-98) – Looking back, the Gators had a number of good offensive linemen in the 90’s, but only a few stood out. Piller was a much welcomed addition to UF, after transferring from Georgia Tech. Honorable Mention: N/A
70 – Cooper Carlisle, T (1995-99) – As only a redshirt freshman, Carlisle was responsible for protecting Danny Wuerffel’s blindside during the 1996 national championship season. He did a remarkable job as the Gators won it all and Wuerffel took home the Heisman Trophy. Carlisle was an All-American as a senior. Honorable Mention: N/A
71 – Jeff Mitchell, C (1992-96) – Mitchell was the starting center for 3 straight years, including the 1996 national title season. Unfortunately, an injury ended his season early and he didn’t get a chance to play in the Sugar Bowl. In 1995, Mitchell was selected to the All-SEC 1st-team. Honorable Mention: Tony McCoy, DT (1987-91)
72 – N/A
73 – David Williams, T (1984-88) – Williams picked up right where Lomas Brown left off, becoming one of the top offensive tackles in the nation during his career. He went on to be a 1st round NFL draft pick. Honorable Mention: N/A
74 – Jack Youngblood, DE (1968-70) – A member of the College and the Pro Football Halls of Fame, Youngblood was a feared defender throughout his football career. Although sacks weren’t officially recorded when Youngblood was a Gator, rumors say he had 29, which would be 2nd all-time. Youngblood is regarded as one of the best defensive ends in NCAA and NFL history. Honorable Mention: Jeff Zimmerman, T (1983-86)
75 – Lomas Brown, T (1981-84) – Brown is widely regarded as the best offensive lineman in UF history and among the best Gators at any position of all-time. Brown and Zimmerman were members of the Gator offensive lines in the early 80’s referred to as “The Great Wall of Florida.” Honorable Mention: Donnie Young, G (1992-96)
76 – N/A
77 – Max Starks, T (2000-03) – One of the largest Gators ever, the 6’8” Starks started at various positions along the line from 2001 to 2003. In 2003, he was selected to the All-SEC 1st-team. Honorable Mention: N/A
78 – Kenyatta Walker, T (1997-2000) – A solid presence along the line for 3 seasons from 1998-2000, Walker earned a number of prestigious distinctions, including 1st-team All-American and 1st-team All-SEC. Honorable Mention: N/A
79 – Mo Collins, T (1994-97) – A starter for much of his career, Collins left his mark on the University of Florida as a wall on the offensive line. He helped the Gators win the national title in 1996, lining up at right tackle. Honorable Mention: N/A
80 – N/A
81 – Dallas Baker, WR (2002-06) – After having a career high 60 catches for 920 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2006, Baker left UF ranked near the top of all 3 career lists with 151 catches (5th), 2,236 yards (6th), and 21 touchdowns (9th). Know as an Orange and Blue Game star, Baker put it all together in his final season. Honorable Mention: N/A
82 – Aubrey Hill, WR (1991-94) – Hill has the 4th highest reception-to-touchdown ratio in UF history at 4.78. Although he no longer appears on many lists, when Hill left Florida he ranked in the top 10 of most major career receiving categories. Honorable Mention: Mike Mularkey, TE (1980-82)
83 – Dwayne Dixon, WR (1980-83) – Dixon is just outside the top 10 on the Gators’ career reception list. He caught 124 passes over his career and was named to the All-SEC 1st-team as a senior. Dixon was recently named one of the Arena Football League’s top players of all-time. Honorable Mention: N/A
84 – Ben Troupe, TE (2000-03) – One of the most athletic tight ends to wear a Gator jersey, Troupe led the team in receptions in 2003. A fan favorite, Troupe totaled 64 catches for 958 yards and 7 touchdowns over the course of his career. Honorable Mention: Harrison Houston, WR (1990-93)
85 – David Galloway, DT (1978-81) – Galloway is one of the premier interior pass rushers in Gator history. He and teammate Robin Fisher are currently tied for 7th all-time with 21 career sacks. Honorable Mention: N/A
86 – N/A
87 – N/A
88 – Wilber Marshall, LB (1980-83) – In 2007, Marshall was the 5th member named to the University of Florida’s Ring of Honor. A 2-time 1st-team All-American, Marshall was named the National Defensive Player of the Year in 1983. Marshall ranks 9th all-time in tackles (343) and 5th in sacks (23). UF named him the Defensive Player of the Century during the selection of the school’s Team of the Century. Marshall went on to win be a star of 2 Super Bowls teams during his NFL career. Honorable Mention: Kirk Kirkpatrick, TE (1986-90)
89 – Wes Chandler, WR (1974-77) – 31 years after he played his last game, Chandler still ranks 8th on the career receiving touchdowns list with 22. A 2-time All-American, he led the Gators in receiving for 3 consecutive years from 1975 to 1977. Chandler is widely regarded as one of the greatest Gator receivers ever. Honorable Mention: Ricky Nattiel, WR (1983-86)
90 – Huey Richardson, DE (1986-90) – A standout defensive lineman, Richardson was one of the quickest players off the line around. All Gator fans remember how dominating Richardson was in college, unfortunately it didn’t translate to the NFL, but at least we can recognize him as one of the greatest Gators ever. Honorable Mention: N/A
91 – Derrick Harvey, DE (2004-07) – Harvey broke out during his redshirt sophomore season. In 2006, Harvey recorded 11 sacks, including 3 against Ohio State in the national championship game in which he was named Defensive MVP. Notching 8.5 sacks the next year, Harvey wasn’t considered as dominant, but that was mostly due to the fact that he was going against constant double teams. He ranks 9th all-time with 20.5 career sacks. Honorable Mention: N/A
92 – Reggie McGrew, DT (1995-98) – McGrew was a key contributor from 1996 to 1998, including being a big part of the defense as only a redshirt freshman during the 1996 national championship season. He went on to become a 1st-round NFL draft pick. Honorable Mention: N/A
93 – Alonzo Johnson, LB (1983-85) – Johnson joins Robin Fisher and Wilber Marshall as the only Gators to be in the top 10 in both career tackles and sacks. Typically overshadowed by Marshall, Johnson was a star in his own right. Honorable Mention: Trace Armstrong, DE (1988)
94 – Jarvis Moss, DE (2003-06) – Moss came to UF with enormous expectations that many thought he would not live up to. Fortunately for Gator fans, he more than made a name for himself over the course of his final 2 seasons. In 2005 and 2006, Moss racked up 15 sacks. He sacked Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith twice during the national title game, but the play everyone will remember came weeks earlier when Moss blocked what would have been a game-winning field goal with 8 seconds left against South Carolina. UF would go on to win the game 17-16. Moss also blocked an extra point earlier in the game. Honorable Mention: Ed Chester, DT (1994-98)
95 – Ray McDonald, DL (2002-06) – McDonald won’t appear on any career stats list, but he was the unsung hero of the defensive line during the Gators march to the 2006 national title. While Derrick Harvey and Jarvis Moss were getting sacks, McDonald was occupying interior offensive linemen. Moss had the most famous block in the South Carolina game in 2006, but McDonald also blocked a field goal attempt earlier in the contest. Honorable Mention: N/A
96 – N/A
97 – N/A
98 – Godfrey Myles, LB (1988-91) – Myles is yet another that might not appear on any career stats lists, but he was an important presence nonetheless. Honorable Mention: N/A
99 – Sammy Green, LB (1972-75) – In 1976, Green led the Gators with 202 tackles – a single season record that still stands today. He finished his career ranked 3rd all-time with 457 tackles. Honorable Mention: Ian Scott, DT (2001-02)
There you have it. There are obviously a good number of blanks to fill, but hopefully one day I’ll get there. In the meantime, feel free to give me your thoughts and let me know who I may have missed.