Ranking the Top-5 Florida Gator Quarterback Transfers
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) drops back to pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
No. 1 Cam Newton (2007-2008)
Coming in at No. 1 is Cam Newton, or “Scam Newton” as many of the Gator Faithful know him as. He was supposed to be the successor to the beloved Tim Tebow and continue Florida’s second era of football dominance.
Unfortunately, off-the-field issues plagued Newton.
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On November 21, 2008, Newton was arrested for stealing a student’s laptop. The charges were ultimately dropped but the damage had been done. Newton was suspended from the football team, and he decided it would be best for him to pack up and transfer out of Florida.
He announced his decision to transfer a couple of days before the National Championship against Oklahoma. He finished his short-lived Gator career with six total completions in 12 passing attempts for 54 yards and no touchdowns.
Newton was more effective on the ground as he ran for 113 yards and four touchdowns. He is even listed as a member of the 2008 Florida Gator National Championship team.
After a year at Blinn College, Newton attended Auburn for his senior season.
As a Tiger, Cam blew everyone out of the water as he won the 2010 Heisman Trophy Award, led Auburn to an undefeated 14-0 season, and won a National Championship. His Heisman numbers were impressive as he threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns with just seven interceptions, while rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Despite his fantastic season at Auburn, Cam was still clouded by controversy as the NCAA began to investigate whether or not his father took improper benefits from a Mississippi State booster. Ultimately, Cam would be deemed ineligible for just one day as there was not enough evidence to prove anything.
After ending his college career in style, Newton was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft. After winning various Rookie of the Year awards, Newton has since turned the dismal franchise around and made them a perennial playoff contender.
As for the Gators, Newton’s transfer would have a tremendous impact on the future of the program. Once Tim Tebow left after the 2009 season, the reigns were handed over to John Brantley.
He was no Cam Newton.
The Gators went 8-5 in 2010 while Newton and Auburn went undefeated.
Since then, Florida’s QB situation has been a complete mess. I do truly believe that if Cam Newton had stayed out of trouble and remained with Florida, he would have led the Gators to a third National Championship in five years.
*All stats accredited to Gatorzone.com, College Football @ Sports-Reference.com, & NFL.com