Post by deathroll on Nov 5, 2014 13:55:16 GMT -5
In 2000, Florida fielded a fairly young team on both sides of the ball. Injuries to starting Linebackers Andra Davis and Travis Carrol left the Defense vulnerable to the run. Despite this, the Gators utilizing both Quarterbacks Senior Jesse Palmer and Freshman Rex Grossman fielded a productive Offense and thanks to the team’s plus 19 turnover margin, were able to post a 10-3 record and claim the school’s 7th SEC Championship with a 28-6 defeat of Auburn in the SEC Championship Game. Season highlights included regular season victories over Tennessee, Auburn, LSU and Georgia. Florida set an SEC record when it appeared in its eighth consecutive January bowl game when it met Miami in New Orleans at the Sugar Bowl on January 2nd, 2001. The Hurricanes defeated the Gators 37-20, in the first meeting between the two sunshine state schools since the 1987 season. Florida finished the season with a 10-3 record-its 7th 10-win season.
With a much more veteran squad, the Gators were favored to repeat as SEC Champions and compete for the national championship in 2001. The season was keyed by an improved Defense and a prolific passing attack led by Sophomore QB Rex Grossman (4,144 yards, 38 TDs 12 Int) WR Jabar Gaffney (74 catches 1,309 yards 15 TD’s), WR Reche Caldwell (69 catches 1,106 yards 10 TDs) and WR Taylor Jacobs (48 catches 882 yards 9 TDs). Hopes for an SEC title and possible BCS national championship game berth were dashed in a heartbreaking 32-34 upset loss to Tennessee on the final week of the regular season. Season highlights included victories over LSU (44-15) Georgia (24-10) and fsu 37-13). On January 2nd, 2002 in Miami, the Gators closed out the 2001 season with a 56-23 victory over ACC champion Maryland. The Gators set Orange Bowl records for total yards (659) and passing yards (456). The contest was the final game in coach Steve Spurrier’s legendary carrier as he resigned on January 2nd and became the head couch of the Washington Redskins. Spurrier’s final game as a Gator player also came in the Orange Bowl, the 1967 affair vs. Georgia Tech. In his 12 year career as the Gator “Head Ball Coach”, Spurrier won six SEC titles, one national title and posted a 122–27–1 record (81.67% winning percentage).
After a hurried coaching search that saw both Denver Broncos Coach Mike Shanahan and Oklahoma Sooners coach Bob Stoops turn down the Florida job, athletic director Jeremy Foley hired former Florida Defensive Coordinator and current New Orleans Saints Defensive coordinator Ron Zook as the Gators new head coach. As Spurrier admitted that he had “left the cupboard somewhat bare” in terms of the team’s roster, Zook’s primary challenge was in obtaining new recruits. Zook responded as a recruiter, lining up the 20th ranked class in an abbreviated 2002 search, then the 2nd ranked class in 2003 and the 7th ranked class in 2004.
Although highly talented, as many of these young players would start and play prominent roles, Zook’s teams were famous for their inconsistency. Florida dealt Nick Saban’s LSU team their only loss on the way to the 2003 BCS national championship and dealt Georgia its only loss of 2002, but went winless against both Mississippi schools as well as in-state rival miami and in both bowl games. Zook’s record fell well short of what Florida fans had come to expect. In his three seasons, Florida lost more games at the Swamp than in 12 seasons under Spurrier with many of the losses being fourth quarter comebacks by the opposition, causing many fans to question the prevent defense which was employed. After two consecutive 8-5 seasons and an embarrassing loss to Mississippi State, Zook was fired midway through the 2004 season but was allowed to finish out the regular season. In Zook’s final game, the Gators defeated fsu at Doak Campbell Stadium for the first time since 1986. In three seasons as the Gators head coach, Zook compiled a 23-14 record (62.16% winning percentage).
Athletic Director Jeremy Foley again set out to find a new head coach for the Gators. With the benefit of an extra month to work with, he targeted the 2003 National Coach of the Year, Urban Meyer. After a period of intense competition against Notre Dame for his services, Meyer chose to become the Gators head coach and Meyer was announced as Florida Football's new head coach in December 2004.
Meyer’s first season in 2005 saw the implementation of the Spread Option Offense. After making a midseason adjustment to the Offense prior to the game with Georgia, the team finished with an improved 9–3 record, including an Outback Bowl win against Iowa. Although the Gators managed to defeat their three biggest rivals (Tennessee, Georgia and fsu) for only the fourth time in school history, they missed out on a chance to play in the SEC Championship Game after a late-season upset loss to Spurrier's new team, South Carolina. .
In 2006, the Gators fielded an improved Offense led by Senior Quarterback Chris Leak and a fleet of talented veteran Wide Receivers as well as one of the finest Defenses in school history but were faced with the nation’s most difficult schedule. After grinding out close wins against Tennessee, LSU and Alabama, the Gators suffered a loss at top 10 Auburn 17-27. The Gators recovered from this loss to record a close win against Georgia followed by a thrilling 17-16 victory over Spurrier’s South Carolina when South Carolina’s last second field goal attempt was blocked by Defensive End Jarvis Moss. After defeating in-state rival fsu 21-14 in Tallahassee, the Gators faced the Arkansas Razorbacks in the SEC Championship game. In that contest, the Gators prevailed 38-28 led by spectacular Freshman Percy Harvin who was named the game’s MVP to claim the school’s 8th SEC title.
Following the game the Gators were selected to play against undefeated #1 ranked Ohio State by the slimmest of margins. Led by Quarterback Chris Leak and a ferocious Defense the Gators thrashed heavily favored Ohio State 41-14 to claim their second national championship and finish with a 13-1 record-the best in school history.
The 2007 season marked the beginning of the Tim Tebow era as the multi-talented Quarterback to the reins of the Spread Option Offense. Unfortunately many of the Gators’ star performers on Defense had either graduated or moved on the NFL after the 2006 season which meant that Florida fielded a very young Defense which struggled against top opponents. Season highlights included blowout victories over Tennessee (59-20) and fsu (45-12). The weakness of the Defense however contributed heavily to the team’s 4 losses to national champion LSU, Georgia, Auburn and bowl opponent Michigan despite the brilliant play of Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin on Offense. For his tremendous performance that season, Tebow became the first Sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy. Florida finished with a 9-4 record.
Prior to the 2008 season, Florida opened the Heavener Complex which was an addition to the stadium celebrating great players in Gator history as well as team accomplishments. Meant to "wow" recruits this complex opened after 18 months of construction and an overwhelming response by Gator boosters.
The now much more experienced Gators started the 2008 season with high expectations. After a blowout 26-3 victory over in-state rival miami and after defeating defeating conference rival Tennessee 30-6 the Gators suffered a home loss to Ole Miss by a 30-31 score. In an emotional press conference after the game, star quarterback Tim Tebow promised that no team would play harder than Florida the rest of the season. The Gators responded to their Quarterback’s promise with dominant play on both sides of the ball for the rest of the season on their way to a second national championship game berth in three years. Along the way, they defeated defending National Champion LSU 51–21, achieved revenge on SEC Rivals Georgia 49-10, handed former coach Steve Spurrier his worst loss in his career 56-6 and crushed fsu in Doak Campbell Stadium 45–15. Florida then faced undefeated and #1 ranked Alabama in the SEC Championship Game with the winner certain to receive an invitation to play in the BCS national championship game. Against Alabama, Tebow rallied the Gators from a 4th quarter deficit to a 31-20 victory earning Florida its 9th SEC Championship. The Gators then defeated high scoring Oklahoma in the BCS national championship game 24-14 with a ferocious defense and a solid effort by Tebow (18 for 30 for 231 yards 2 TD’s 2 Int’s, 109 yards and 1 TD rushing) to claim the school’s third national championship.
Entering the 2009 season, the Gators were voted number 1 in the preseason AP and Coaches polls. Despite several injuries on offense and defense, the Gators got off to a quick start with dominating wins their first two opponents setting up a showdown with Tennessee and brash new Volunteers Coach Lane Kiffin. The Gators won the contest in workman-like fasion 23–13. Overcoming several obstacles over the next several weeks, Florida posted convincing wins over Kentucky (41-7) and LSU (13-3). Despite a sloppy, listless effort for most of the day, Florida was able to summon the will for a last minute drive to kick the game winning field goal against Arkansas (23-20) and keep their record unblemished at 6-0. Florida then ran their record to 7–0 with a 29–19 win at Mississippi State despite two interceptions returned for touchdowns. The win ended a four-game losing streak in Starkville and marked the first time since 1998 that the Gators beat all SEC western division opponents in the same regular season. Next, Florida beat Georgia for the seventeenth time in the past twenty seasons, 41–17. In the game, Tebow broke the SEC rushing touchdown record held by former Bulldog running back Herschel Walker. The following week, they knocked off Vanderbilt 27–3 at home to improve to 9–0. Following a 24–14 win over South Carolina in Columbia, the Gators defeated FIU and Florida finished a 12–0 regular season with a 37–10 rout of rival fsu in the Swamp to set up a showdown with undefeated #2 ranked Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. In the game eventual national champion Alabama easily prevailed by a 32-13 score. For their outstanding 12-1 record, the Gators were invited to face undefeated Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl. In that contest the Gators easily triumphed by a 51-24 score to become the first program in NCAA history to claim back to back 13 win seasons. Florida also completed its second consecutive decade with at least 100 wins-a feat matched only one other time in college football history (Nebraska 80’s-90’s). Florida also set the school record for consecutive victories with 22 prior to the loss the Alabama (the previous record was 12).
For the decade, Florida finished with a 100-30 record (76.92% winning percentage). Additionally, Florida was the winningest team in the nation for the two decades from 1990 until 2009 with a 202-52-1 record (79.41% winning percentage) and held the longest streak in the nation without a losing season (30 years). As of the end of the 2009 season, the Florida Gators were the 15th winningest program in college football history with a 63.109% winning percentage.
Earnest Graham 1999-2002 Tailback a productive back who was named All-SEC and accumulated more than 3,000 career rushing yards at UF, Graham also rushed for 33 touchdowns (3rd best in school history upon graduation). He has gone on to play 6 years in the NFL to date.
Alex Brown 1998-2001 Defensive End A two time first team All-American, He set the single season school sack record with 13 in 1999. He finished his career as the school’s all-time sack leader with 33. Brown has so far enjoyed an 8 year NFL career
Gerard “Big Money” Warren 1998-2000 Defensive Tackle A two time All SEC selection who was the 3rd player chosen in the 2001 NFL draft he has so far played 9 years in the league.
Todd Johnson 1999-2002 Free Safety a three time All-SEC selection, Johnson finished his Gator career with 286 tackles and 9 interceptions. He has thus far enjoyed a 7 year NFL career.
Lito Sheppard 1999-2001 Cornerback A two time first team All-SEC and a first team All-American as a sophomore. Also an outstanding punt returner, Sheppard was a first round NFL draft choice he has so far enjoyed an 8 year NFL career.
Jabar Gaffney 2000-2001 Wide Receiver A consensus first team All-American as a redshirt sophomore his 27 TD catches are the most for any player in their Freshman and Sophomore years in college football history. He was also named as the National Freshman of the Year in 2000. Gaffney is the son of Gator receiver Derrick Gaffney and the cousin of Cornerback Lito Sheppard. He was a second round draft pick in the NFL draft and has so far enjoyed an 8 year NFL career.
Rex Grossman 2000-2002 Quarterback Selected as a first team All-American and was the Heisman Trophy runner-up as a Sophomore in 2000. His 55 TD passes was the most for any player in their Freshman and Sophomore seasons in college football history. Grossman was a first round selection in the NFL draft and has thus far enjoyed a 7 year NFL career.
Reche Caldwell 1999-2001 Wide Receiver A productive player who accumulated more than 2,000 career receiving yards, he was named as an honorable mention All-America and 2nd team All-SEC player. Caldwell was a 2nd round choice in the NFL draft he has thus far enjoyed a 6 year NFL career.
Taylor Jacobs 1999-2002 Wide Receiver named as an All-SEC receiver and a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award he finished his Gator career with over 2,000 receiving yards and was a second round choice in the NFL draft where he enjoyed a 5 year career.
Keiwan Ratliff 2000-2003 Cornerback Selected as a first team All-American and named as a Thorpe Award finalist in 2003. He set the single season interception record with 9 and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Ratliff was a second round selection in the NFL draft and has played 6 years in the NFL thus far.
Ben Troupe 2000-2003 Tight End named an All SEC selection as well as a finalist for the Mackey Award, he finished his Gator career with 64 receptions for 958 yards and 7 TD’s. Troupe was a second round selection in the NFL draft where he enjoyed a 5 year career.
Ciatrick Fason 2001-2003 Tailback a very productive back (1,877 yards 14 TD’s 6.0 avg per carry) he was named all SEC after his Junior season.
Channing Crowder 2003-2004 Linebacker a very productive player for the Gators in his short career. Named All-SEC in 04. He has thus far enjoyed a 6 year NFL career.
Chris Leak 2003-2006 Quarterback. Led the team to its second national championship and finished his career as the school’s all-time leading passer with 11,213 yards. He was named All- SEC and SEC Freshman of the Year and BCS national championship game MVP. He is currently under contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL.
Ray McDonald 2003-2006 Defensive End/Defensive Tackle a versatile player who was an All-SEC selection in 06 and was a key part of the 06 national championship team. McDonald was selected in the 3rd round of the NFL draft and has had a 3 year career thus far.
Jarvis Moss 2004-2006 Defensive End a very highly rated prep player who struggled early in his career due to an undiagnosed bone infection. Once recovered, he was an excellent player who blocked two kicks to defeat South Carolina and had two key sacks including one to force a fumble which the Gators recovered in the BCS national championship game. Selected in the first round of the NFL draft, he has thus far enjoyed a 3 year NFL career.
The Cock Block
Brandon Siler 2004-2006 Middle Linebacker started as a true freshman and went on to earn first team All-SEC and 3rd team All=American honors as a Junior. Also a key part of the 06 national championship team. He has thus far enjoyed a 3 year NFL career.
Derrick Harvey 2005-2007 Defensive End was the Defensive MVP of the 06 BCS national championship game with 3 sacks he was also twice named 2nd team All-SEC.. Harvey was a first round selection in the 08 NFL draft.
Dallas Baker 2003-2006 Wide Receiver. Dallas Baker “the Touchdown Maker” was a first team All-SEC selection in his Senior season and a key contributor on the 2006 national championship team. He finished his Gator career with 151 receptions for 2,236 yards and 21 Touchdowns. Baker has played two seasons in the NFL to date.
Reggie Nelson 2005-2006 A Juco transfer Nelson was named first team All-American and first team All-SEC as well as a Thorpe Award Finalist after his Junior season in 06. He was a key part of the national championship team that year. Entering the NFL draft in 07, Nelson was a first round selection.
Andre Caldwell 2004-2007 Wide Receiver the brother of Reche Caldwell, “Bubba” was a very steady player who though he did not have one big season that garnered huge acclaim did manage to accumulate a career record 185 receptions for 2,349 yards (which is the third-highest total in Florida history). He was selected in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL draft where he has played for 2 years to date.
Percy Harvin 2006-2008 Wide Reciever/Tailback One of the most highly touted players ever to sign at UF, Harvin very quickly lived up to his press clippings. He was named the MVP of the SECC game against Arkansas and was named SEC Freshman of the Year. In his Sophomore campaign in 2007 he accounted for over 1,600 combined yards from scrimmage and was named first team All-SEC. In his Junior season he accounted for over 1,200 combined yards from scrimmage and was a key contributor on the 2008 national championship squad. He finished his 3 year career with over 3,900 combined yards from scrimmage and was a first round draft choice in the NFL draft. In the NFL he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl.
Tim Tebow 2006-2009 Quarterback One of the most highly touted players to ever sign with Florida, Tebow immediately became a key contributor on the 2006 national championship squad and finished the season as the team’s second leading rusher. Taking over as the full-time starter in his Sophomore season, he led the team to finish third in the nation in scoring Offense, was second in the nation in passing efficiency completing 66.9 percent of his passes for 3,286 yards with only six interceptions on 350 attempts while throwing for 32 touchdowns…He also led Florida in rushing with 895 yards on the ground and 23 touchdowns. His 55 total touchdowns for the season ranks as the most in a season in school history as well as the most in for a single season in SEC history. His 23 touchdowns rushing ranks as the most in a season for a Quarterback in NCAA history. He is also the only player in NCAA history to have rushed and passed for at least one touchdown in 14 consecutive games. His 23 rushing touchdowns that year also ranks as a single season SEC record for any position. For his outstanding season Tebow was named the Davey O’Brien Award Winner, the Maxwell Award Winner, All-SEC, All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and became the first Sophomore in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy.
In his Junior season in 2008, Tebow again led the SEC in passing efficiency and finished second in total Offense (3,419 yards) while leading the team in rushing. He also set a school record with 203 consecutive pass attempts without an interception. After a disappointing one point loss to Ole Miss in the 4th game of the season, Tebow addressed the media and fans in a statement that became known as “the Promise”:
“I'm sorry. I'm extremely sorry. We were hoping for an undefeated season. That was my goal, something Florida's never done here. But I promise you one thing: a lot of good will come out of this. You have never seen any player in the entire country play as hard as I will play the rest of this season and you'll never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of this season, and you'll never see a team play harder than we will the rest of this season. God Bless.”
The team responded by winning 8 consecutive games setting up an SEC Championship game showdown with undefeated and #1 ranked Alabama. In the SEC Championship game, Tebow led Florida to its ninth SEC title tossing three touchdowns, connecting on 14 of 22 passes for 216 yards and rushing for a team high 57 yards thus setting up a berth in the BCS national championship game against Oklahoma. In that contest, Tebow was 18 for 30 for 231 yards 2 Touchdowns and 2 interceptions while rushing for 109 yards and one Touchdown in leading the Gators to their third national championship by a 24-14 score while being named the game’s MVP. For the season Tebow was again named the Maxwell Award Winner, All-SEC, All-American, the Manning Award Winner, AP Offensive Player of the Year, and a Heisman Trophy finalist.
In his Senior season Tebow again led the team to a 13-1 record, and final #3 ranking while passing for 2,895 yards and rushing for 910 yards. For 2009, Tebow was named second team All-American, All-SEC, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and a Heisman Trophy Finalist. Tebow finished his career with 5 NCAA, 14 SEC and 28 school records. He threw for 9,285 yards and 88 touchdowns while rushing for 2,947 yards and 57 touchdowns. His 12,232 combined yards ranks first in school history. The 48-7 record and 2 national championships the team posted during his 4 year career are the most for any class in school history while the 3 BCS bowl wins ties the 2009 class with the 1996 class for the most in school history.
Louis Murphy 2005-2008 was a very solid receiver for the Gators who was a key contributor to the 2008 national championship squad. “Murph” was a 4th round selection in the NFL draft and enjoyed a productive rookie season in the NFL.
Brandon Spikes 2006-2009 Middle Linebacker a three time first team All-SEC and two time first team All-American selection and finalist for the Nagurski Award in 2008 and 2 time semifinalist for the Butkus Award and Bednarik Award. Spikes was a key contributor on the 2008 national championship team.
Joe Haden 2007-2009 Cornerback named a first team All-SEC selection as well as a first team All-American and Thorpe Award Finalist in 2009. Joe Haden started all 40 games he played at UF and was a key contributor on the 2008 national championship team. Haden finished his career with 218 tackles, 8 interceptions and 3.5 sacks.
i158.photobucket.com/albums/t81/DMEvans_photos/Gators%202000-2009/JoeHaden.jpg
Carlos Dunlap 007-2009 Defensive End A tremendous athlete, Dunlap was named second team All-SEC in his Sophomore season and first team All-SEC in his Junior season as well as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Additionally, he was named Defensive MVP of the 2008 national championship game in which he recorded 4 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and half a sack in addition to a blocked field goal. Dunlap ended his collegiate career with 81 tackles (25 for loss), 19.5 sacks and 3 blocked kicks.
Chad Jackson 2002-2004 Wide Receiver The nation's top ranked WR prospect, Chad Jackson blossomed into a key playmaker in his sophomore season and went in the first round of the NFL draft after his junior season in 2004.
Jesse Palmer 1997-2000 Quarterback A steady player, Palmer led the Gators to a key victory over Tennessee in his senior season and came off the bench to rally the team against Georgia and South Carolina when the talented but inconsistent freshman Rex Grossman had faltered.
Earl Everett 2003-2006 Outside LInebacker a solid 3 year starter for Florida he was named all-SEC as a Senior.
Cornelius Ingram 2004-2007 Tight End
Robert Cromartie 1998-2001 Cornerback A highly rated prospect who turned into a solid 4 year starter for the Gators.
Bam Hardmon 1999-2002 Linebacker
OJ Small 1999-2002 Wide Receiver
Shannon Snell 1999-2002 Offensive Guard
Brandon James 2006-2009 Kick Returner/Punt Returner Small but super quick, James finished his career with 5 career touchdown returns and the career return yardage record for the Gators
Ian Scott 2000-2003 Defensive Tackle
Max Starks 2000 -2003 Offensive Tackle This mammoth tackle earned all-SEC honors for Florida in his Senior season and has thus far enjoyed a 6 year NFL career
Andra Davis 1998-2001 Middle Linebacker twice named all-SEC Andra Davis has thus far enjoyed an 8 year NFL career
Mike Pearson 1999-2001 Offensive Tackle a three year starter he was twice named All SEC and was an All American his Junior season after which he was selected in the second round of the NFL draft.
Maurkice Pouncey 2007-2009 Offensive Guard/Center a 3 year starter for the Gators, he along with twin brother Mike formed a powerful duo in the middle of the Gator Offensive Line helping lead the team to the 2008 national championship. After departing for the NFL afte r his Junior season, he was selected in the first round of the NFL draft.
Ron Zook given a victory ride by players in 2004 after winning his last game as the Gators’ head coach and upsetting arch rival fsu on their home field where UF had not won since the 1980’s
Coach Spurrier given a victory ride after the Gators win the 2000 SEC Championship
Gators 2001 Uniform
2005 Outback Bowl vs Iowa Gators 31-24, Chris Leak Carries
Gators 2006 Uniform
Mr Two Bits though he officially retired, George Edmondson still made numerous appearances to cheer on the Gators
Albert pays tribute to Mr. Two Bits
Swamp Entrance
2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14, Jarvis Moss sacks Troy Smith in the 2nd quarter
2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14 Jarvis Moss sacks Troy Smith in the 2nd quarter and causes a fumble
2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14 a helmetless Earl Everett pursues Troy Smith
2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14 a helmetless Earl Everett sacks Troy Smith
Gators 2006 National Champions
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2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14
Chris Leak celebrates the 2006 National Championship
Coach Meyer and Dallas Baker receive a celebratory icebath
Coach Meyer celebrates the 2006 National Championship
Gators 2006 National Champions
The Promise
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Tebow and Coach Urban Meyer celebrate the victory
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Tebow carries in the 3rd quarter
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Percy Harvin carries
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Major Wright delivers a vicious hit on the first play of the game to set the tone.
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Ahmad Black’s key 4th quarter interception set up the game winning drive.
Brandon Spikes celebrates the2008 National Championship
Urban Meyer Celebrates 2008 National Championship
Titletown, Albert and Erin Andrews celebrate
Titletown part 2, Erin Andrews and Tim Tebow
Heavener Complex
Heavener Complex part 2
Heavener Complex Hall of Champions
Heavener Complex Trophy Room 3 Heisman Trophy Winners
Heavener Complex National Championship Trophies
With a much more veteran squad, the Gators were favored to repeat as SEC Champions and compete for the national championship in 2001. The season was keyed by an improved Defense and a prolific passing attack led by Sophomore QB Rex Grossman (4,144 yards, 38 TDs 12 Int) WR Jabar Gaffney (74 catches 1,309 yards 15 TD’s), WR Reche Caldwell (69 catches 1,106 yards 10 TDs) and WR Taylor Jacobs (48 catches 882 yards 9 TDs). Hopes for an SEC title and possible BCS national championship game berth were dashed in a heartbreaking 32-34 upset loss to Tennessee on the final week of the regular season. Season highlights included victories over LSU (44-15) Georgia (24-10) and fsu 37-13). On January 2nd, 2002 in Miami, the Gators closed out the 2001 season with a 56-23 victory over ACC champion Maryland. The Gators set Orange Bowl records for total yards (659) and passing yards (456). The contest was the final game in coach Steve Spurrier’s legendary carrier as he resigned on January 2nd and became the head couch of the Washington Redskins. Spurrier’s final game as a Gator player also came in the Orange Bowl, the 1967 affair vs. Georgia Tech. In his 12 year career as the Gator “Head Ball Coach”, Spurrier won six SEC titles, one national title and posted a 122–27–1 record (81.67% winning percentage).
After a hurried coaching search that saw both Denver Broncos Coach Mike Shanahan and Oklahoma Sooners coach Bob Stoops turn down the Florida job, athletic director Jeremy Foley hired former Florida Defensive Coordinator and current New Orleans Saints Defensive coordinator Ron Zook as the Gators new head coach. As Spurrier admitted that he had “left the cupboard somewhat bare” in terms of the team’s roster, Zook’s primary challenge was in obtaining new recruits. Zook responded as a recruiter, lining up the 20th ranked class in an abbreviated 2002 search, then the 2nd ranked class in 2003 and the 7th ranked class in 2004.
Although highly talented, as many of these young players would start and play prominent roles, Zook’s teams were famous for their inconsistency. Florida dealt Nick Saban’s LSU team their only loss on the way to the 2003 BCS national championship and dealt Georgia its only loss of 2002, but went winless against both Mississippi schools as well as in-state rival miami and in both bowl games. Zook’s record fell well short of what Florida fans had come to expect. In his three seasons, Florida lost more games at the Swamp than in 12 seasons under Spurrier with many of the losses being fourth quarter comebacks by the opposition, causing many fans to question the prevent defense which was employed. After two consecutive 8-5 seasons and an embarrassing loss to Mississippi State, Zook was fired midway through the 2004 season but was allowed to finish out the regular season. In Zook’s final game, the Gators defeated fsu at Doak Campbell Stadium for the first time since 1986. In three seasons as the Gators head coach, Zook compiled a 23-14 record (62.16% winning percentage).
Athletic Director Jeremy Foley again set out to find a new head coach for the Gators. With the benefit of an extra month to work with, he targeted the 2003 National Coach of the Year, Urban Meyer. After a period of intense competition against Notre Dame for his services, Meyer chose to become the Gators head coach and Meyer was announced as Florida Football's new head coach in December 2004.
Meyer’s first season in 2005 saw the implementation of the Spread Option Offense. After making a midseason adjustment to the Offense prior to the game with Georgia, the team finished with an improved 9–3 record, including an Outback Bowl win against Iowa. Although the Gators managed to defeat their three biggest rivals (Tennessee, Georgia and fsu) for only the fourth time in school history, they missed out on a chance to play in the SEC Championship Game after a late-season upset loss to Spurrier's new team, South Carolina. .
In 2006, the Gators fielded an improved Offense led by Senior Quarterback Chris Leak and a fleet of talented veteran Wide Receivers as well as one of the finest Defenses in school history but were faced with the nation’s most difficult schedule. After grinding out close wins against Tennessee, LSU and Alabama, the Gators suffered a loss at top 10 Auburn 17-27. The Gators recovered from this loss to record a close win against Georgia followed by a thrilling 17-16 victory over Spurrier’s South Carolina when South Carolina’s last second field goal attempt was blocked by Defensive End Jarvis Moss. After defeating in-state rival fsu 21-14 in Tallahassee, the Gators faced the Arkansas Razorbacks in the SEC Championship game. In that contest, the Gators prevailed 38-28 led by spectacular Freshman Percy Harvin who was named the game’s MVP to claim the school’s 8th SEC title.
Following the game the Gators were selected to play against undefeated #1 ranked Ohio State by the slimmest of margins. Led by Quarterback Chris Leak and a ferocious Defense the Gators thrashed heavily favored Ohio State 41-14 to claim their second national championship and finish with a 13-1 record-the best in school history.
The 2007 season marked the beginning of the Tim Tebow era as the multi-talented Quarterback to the reins of the Spread Option Offense. Unfortunately many of the Gators’ star performers on Defense had either graduated or moved on the NFL after the 2006 season which meant that Florida fielded a very young Defense which struggled against top opponents. Season highlights included blowout victories over Tennessee (59-20) and fsu (45-12). The weakness of the Defense however contributed heavily to the team’s 4 losses to national champion LSU, Georgia, Auburn and bowl opponent Michigan despite the brilliant play of Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin on Offense. For his tremendous performance that season, Tebow became the first Sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy. Florida finished with a 9-4 record.
Prior to the 2008 season, Florida opened the Heavener Complex which was an addition to the stadium celebrating great players in Gator history as well as team accomplishments. Meant to "wow" recruits this complex opened after 18 months of construction and an overwhelming response by Gator boosters.
The now much more experienced Gators started the 2008 season with high expectations. After a blowout 26-3 victory over in-state rival miami and after defeating defeating conference rival Tennessee 30-6 the Gators suffered a home loss to Ole Miss by a 30-31 score. In an emotional press conference after the game, star quarterback Tim Tebow promised that no team would play harder than Florida the rest of the season. The Gators responded to their Quarterback’s promise with dominant play on both sides of the ball for the rest of the season on their way to a second national championship game berth in three years. Along the way, they defeated defending National Champion LSU 51–21, achieved revenge on SEC Rivals Georgia 49-10, handed former coach Steve Spurrier his worst loss in his career 56-6 and crushed fsu in Doak Campbell Stadium 45–15. Florida then faced undefeated and #1 ranked Alabama in the SEC Championship Game with the winner certain to receive an invitation to play in the BCS national championship game. Against Alabama, Tebow rallied the Gators from a 4th quarter deficit to a 31-20 victory earning Florida its 9th SEC Championship. The Gators then defeated high scoring Oklahoma in the BCS national championship game 24-14 with a ferocious defense and a solid effort by Tebow (18 for 30 for 231 yards 2 TD’s 2 Int’s, 109 yards and 1 TD rushing) to claim the school’s third national championship.
Entering the 2009 season, the Gators were voted number 1 in the preseason AP and Coaches polls. Despite several injuries on offense and defense, the Gators got off to a quick start with dominating wins their first two opponents setting up a showdown with Tennessee and brash new Volunteers Coach Lane Kiffin. The Gators won the contest in workman-like fasion 23–13. Overcoming several obstacles over the next several weeks, Florida posted convincing wins over Kentucky (41-7) and LSU (13-3). Despite a sloppy, listless effort for most of the day, Florida was able to summon the will for a last minute drive to kick the game winning field goal against Arkansas (23-20) and keep their record unblemished at 6-0. Florida then ran their record to 7–0 with a 29–19 win at Mississippi State despite two interceptions returned for touchdowns. The win ended a four-game losing streak in Starkville and marked the first time since 1998 that the Gators beat all SEC western division opponents in the same regular season. Next, Florida beat Georgia for the seventeenth time in the past twenty seasons, 41–17. In the game, Tebow broke the SEC rushing touchdown record held by former Bulldog running back Herschel Walker. The following week, they knocked off Vanderbilt 27–3 at home to improve to 9–0. Following a 24–14 win over South Carolina in Columbia, the Gators defeated FIU and Florida finished a 12–0 regular season with a 37–10 rout of rival fsu in the Swamp to set up a showdown with undefeated #2 ranked Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. In the game eventual national champion Alabama easily prevailed by a 32-13 score. For their outstanding 12-1 record, the Gators were invited to face undefeated Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl. In that contest the Gators easily triumphed by a 51-24 score to become the first program in NCAA history to claim back to back 13 win seasons. Florida also completed its second consecutive decade with at least 100 wins-a feat matched only one other time in college football history (Nebraska 80’s-90’s). Florida also set the school record for consecutive victories with 22 prior to the loss the Alabama (the previous record was 12).
For the decade, Florida finished with a 100-30 record (76.92% winning percentage). Additionally, Florida was the winningest team in the nation for the two decades from 1990 until 2009 with a 202-52-1 record (79.41% winning percentage) and held the longest streak in the nation without a losing season (30 years). As of the end of the 2009 season, the Florida Gators were the 15th winningest program in college football history with a 63.109% winning percentage.
Earnest Graham 1999-2002 Tailback a productive back who was named All-SEC and accumulated more than 3,000 career rushing yards at UF, Graham also rushed for 33 touchdowns (3rd best in school history upon graduation). He has gone on to play 6 years in the NFL to date.
Alex Brown 1998-2001 Defensive End A two time first team All-American, He set the single season school sack record with 13 in 1999. He finished his career as the school’s all-time sack leader with 33. Brown has so far enjoyed an 8 year NFL career
Gerard “Big Money” Warren 1998-2000 Defensive Tackle A two time All SEC selection who was the 3rd player chosen in the 2001 NFL draft he has so far played 9 years in the league.
Todd Johnson 1999-2002 Free Safety a three time All-SEC selection, Johnson finished his Gator career with 286 tackles and 9 interceptions. He has thus far enjoyed a 7 year NFL career.
Lito Sheppard 1999-2001 Cornerback A two time first team All-SEC and a first team All-American as a sophomore. Also an outstanding punt returner, Sheppard was a first round NFL draft choice he has so far enjoyed an 8 year NFL career.
Jabar Gaffney 2000-2001 Wide Receiver A consensus first team All-American as a redshirt sophomore his 27 TD catches are the most for any player in their Freshman and Sophomore years in college football history. He was also named as the National Freshman of the Year in 2000. Gaffney is the son of Gator receiver Derrick Gaffney and the cousin of Cornerback Lito Sheppard. He was a second round draft pick in the NFL draft and has so far enjoyed an 8 year NFL career.
Rex Grossman 2000-2002 Quarterback Selected as a first team All-American and was the Heisman Trophy runner-up as a Sophomore in 2000. His 55 TD passes was the most for any player in their Freshman and Sophomore seasons in college football history. Grossman was a first round selection in the NFL draft and has thus far enjoyed a 7 year NFL career.
Reche Caldwell 1999-2001 Wide Receiver A productive player who accumulated more than 2,000 career receiving yards, he was named as an honorable mention All-America and 2nd team All-SEC player. Caldwell was a 2nd round choice in the NFL draft he has thus far enjoyed a 6 year NFL career.
Taylor Jacobs 1999-2002 Wide Receiver named as an All-SEC receiver and a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award he finished his Gator career with over 2,000 receiving yards and was a second round choice in the NFL draft where he enjoyed a 5 year career.
Keiwan Ratliff 2000-2003 Cornerback Selected as a first team All-American and named as a Thorpe Award finalist in 2003. He set the single season interception record with 9 and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Ratliff was a second round selection in the NFL draft and has played 6 years in the NFL thus far.
Ben Troupe 2000-2003 Tight End named an All SEC selection as well as a finalist for the Mackey Award, he finished his Gator career with 64 receptions for 958 yards and 7 TD’s. Troupe was a second round selection in the NFL draft where he enjoyed a 5 year career.
Ciatrick Fason 2001-2003 Tailback a very productive back (1,877 yards 14 TD’s 6.0 avg per carry) he was named all SEC after his Junior season.
Channing Crowder 2003-2004 Linebacker a very productive player for the Gators in his short career. Named All-SEC in 04. He has thus far enjoyed a 6 year NFL career.
Chris Leak 2003-2006 Quarterback. Led the team to its second national championship and finished his career as the school’s all-time leading passer with 11,213 yards. He was named All- SEC and SEC Freshman of the Year and BCS national championship game MVP. He is currently under contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL.
Ray McDonald 2003-2006 Defensive End/Defensive Tackle a versatile player who was an All-SEC selection in 06 and was a key part of the 06 national championship team. McDonald was selected in the 3rd round of the NFL draft and has had a 3 year career thus far.
Jarvis Moss 2004-2006 Defensive End a very highly rated prep player who struggled early in his career due to an undiagnosed bone infection. Once recovered, he was an excellent player who blocked two kicks to defeat South Carolina and had two key sacks including one to force a fumble which the Gators recovered in the BCS national championship game. Selected in the first round of the NFL draft, he has thus far enjoyed a 3 year NFL career.
The Cock Block
Brandon Siler 2004-2006 Middle Linebacker started as a true freshman and went on to earn first team All-SEC and 3rd team All=American honors as a Junior. Also a key part of the 06 national championship team. He has thus far enjoyed a 3 year NFL career.
Derrick Harvey 2005-2007 Defensive End was the Defensive MVP of the 06 BCS national championship game with 3 sacks he was also twice named 2nd team All-SEC.. Harvey was a first round selection in the 08 NFL draft.
Dallas Baker 2003-2006 Wide Receiver. Dallas Baker “the Touchdown Maker” was a first team All-SEC selection in his Senior season and a key contributor on the 2006 national championship team. He finished his Gator career with 151 receptions for 2,236 yards and 21 Touchdowns. Baker has played two seasons in the NFL to date.
Reggie Nelson 2005-2006 A Juco transfer Nelson was named first team All-American and first team All-SEC as well as a Thorpe Award Finalist after his Junior season in 06. He was a key part of the national championship team that year. Entering the NFL draft in 07, Nelson was a first round selection.
Andre Caldwell 2004-2007 Wide Receiver the brother of Reche Caldwell, “Bubba” was a very steady player who though he did not have one big season that garnered huge acclaim did manage to accumulate a career record 185 receptions for 2,349 yards (which is the third-highest total in Florida history). He was selected in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL draft where he has played for 2 years to date.
Percy Harvin 2006-2008 Wide Reciever/Tailback One of the most highly touted players ever to sign at UF, Harvin very quickly lived up to his press clippings. He was named the MVP of the SECC game against Arkansas and was named SEC Freshman of the Year. In his Sophomore campaign in 2007 he accounted for over 1,600 combined yards from scrimmage and was named first team All-SEC. In his Junior season he accounted for over 1,200 combined yards from scrimmage and was a key contributor on the 2008 national championship squad. He finished his 3 year career with over 3,900 combined yards from scrimmage and was a first round draft choice in the NFL draft. In the NFL he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl.
Tim Tebow 2006-2009 Quarterback One of the most highly touted players to ever sign with Florida, Tebow immediately became a key contributor on the 2006 national championship squad and finished the season as the team’s second leading rusher. Taking over as the full-time starter in his Sophomore season, he led the team to finish third in the nation in scoring Offense, was second in the nation in passing efficiency completing 66.9 percent of his passes for 3,286 yards with only six interceptions on 350 attempts while throwing for 32 touchdowns…He also led Florida in rushing with 895 yards on the ground and 23 touchdowns. His 55 total touchdowns for the season ranks as the most in a season in school history as well as the most in for a single season in SEC history. His 23 touchdowns rushing ranks as the most in a season for a Quarterback in NCAA history. He is also the only player in NCAA history to have rushed and passed for at least one touchdown in 14 consecutive games. His 23 rushing touchdowns that year also ranks as a single season SEC record for any position. For his outstanding season Tebow was named the Davey O’Brien Award Winner, the Maxwell Award Winner, All-SEC, All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and became the first Sophomore in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy.
In his Junior season in 2008, Tebow again led the SEC in passing efficiency and finished second in total Offense (3,419 yards) while leading the team in rushing. He also set a school record with 203 consecutive pass attempts without an interception. After a disappointing one point loss to Ole Miss in the 4th game of the season, Tebow addressed the media and fans in a statement that became known as “the Promise”:
“I'm sorry. I'm extremely sorry. We were hoping for an undefeated season. That was my goal, something Florida's never done here. But I promise you one thing: a lot of good will come out of this. You have never seen any player in the entire country play as hard as I will play the rest of this season and you'll never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of this season, and you'll never see a team play harder than we will the rest of this season. God Bless.”
The team responded by winning 8 consecutive games setting up an SEC Championship game showdown with undefeated and #1 ranked Alabama. In the SEC Championship game, Tebow led Florida to its ninth SEC title tossing three touchdowns, connecting on 14 of 22 passes for 216 yards and rushing for a team high 57 yards thus setting up a berth in the BCS national championship game against Oklahoma. In that contest, Tebow was 18 for 30 for 231 yards 2 Touchdowns and 2 interceptions while rushing for 109 yards and one Touchdown in leading the Gators to their third national championship by a 24-14 score while being named the game’s MVP. For the season Tebow was again named the Maxwell Award Winner, All-SEC, All-American, the Manning Award Winner, AP Offensive Player of the Year, and a Heisman Trophy finalist.
In his Senior season Tebow again led the team to a 13-1 record, and final #3 ranking while passing for 2,895 yards and rushing for 910 yards. For 2009, Tebow was named second team All-American, All-SEC, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and a Heisman Trophy Finalist. Tebow finished his career with 5 NCAA, 14 SEC and 28 school records. He threw for 9,285 yards and 88 touchdowns while rushing for 2,947 yards and 57 touchdowns. His 12,232 combined yards ranks first in school history. The 48-7 record and 2 national championships the team posted during his 4 year career are the most for any class in school history while the 3 BCS bowl wins ties the 2009 class with the 1996 class for the most in school history.
Louis Murphy 2005-2008 was a very solid receiver for the Gators who was a key contributor to the 2008 national championship squad. “Murph” was a 4th round selection in the NFL draft and enjoyed a productive rookie season in the NFL.
Brandon Spikes 2006-2009 Middle Linebacker a three time first team All-SEC and two time first team All-American selection and finalist for the Nagurski Award in 2008 and 2 time semifinalist for the Butkus Award and Bednarik Award. Spikes was a key contributor on the 2008 national championship team.
Joe Haden 2007-2009 Cornerback named a first team All-SEC selection as well as a first team All-American and Thorpe Award Finalist in 2009. Joe Haden started all 40 games he played at UF and was a key contributor on the 2008 national championship team. Haden finished his career with 218 tackles, 8 interceptions and 3.5 sacks.
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Carlos Dunlap 007-2009 Defensive End A tremendous athlete, Dunlap was named second team All-SEC in his Sophomore season and first team All-SEC in his Junior season as well as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Additionally, he was named Defensive MVP of the 2008 national championship game in which he recorded 4 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and half a sack in addition to a blocked field goal. Dunlap ended his collegiate career with 81 tackles (25 for loss), 19.5 sacks and 3 blocked kicks.
Chad Jackson 2002-2004 Wide Receiver The nation's top ranked WR prospect, Chad Jackson blossomed into a key playmaker in his sophomore season and went in the first round of the NFL draft after his junior season in 2004.
Jesse Palmer 1997-2000 Quarterback A steady player, Palmer led the Gators to a key victory over Tennessee in his senior season and came off the bench to rally the team against Georgia and South Carolina when the talented but inconsistent freshman Rex Grossman had faltered.
Earl Everett 2003-2006 Outside LInebacker a solid 3 year starter for Florida he was named all-SEC as a Senior.
Cornelius Ingram 2004-2007 Tight End
Robert Cromartie 1998-2001 Cornerback A highly rated prospect who turned into a solid 4 year starter for the Gators.
Bam Hardmon 1999-2002 Linebacker
OJ Small 1999-2002 Wide Receiver
Shannon Snell 1999-2002 Offensive Guard
Brandon James 2006-2009 Kick Returner/Punt Returner Small but super quick, James finished his career with 5 career touchdown returns and the career return yardage record for the Gators
Ian Scott 2000-2003 Defensive Tackle
Max Starks 2000 -2003 Offensive Tackle This mammoth tackle earned all-SEC honors for Florida in his Senior season and has thus far enjoyed a 6 year NFL career
Andra Davis 1998-2001 Middle Linebacker twice named all-SEC Andra Davis has thus far enjoyed an 8 year NFL career
Mike Pearson 1999-2001 Offensive Tackle a three year starter he was twice named All SEC and was an All American his Junior season after which he was selected in the second round of the NFL draft.
Maurkice Pouncey 2007-2009 Offensive Guard/Center a 3 year starter for the Gators, he along with twin brother Mike formed a powerful duo in the middle of the Gator Offensive Line helping lead the team to the 2008 national championship. After departing for the NFL afte r his Junior season, he was selected in the first round of the NFL draft.
Ron Zook given a victory ride by players in 2004 after winning his last game as the Gators’ head coach and upsetting arch rival fsu on their home field where UF had not won since the 1980’s
Coach Spurrier given a victory ride after the Gators win the 2000 SEC Championship
Gators 2001 Uniform
2005 Outback Bowl vs Iowa Gators 31-24, Chris Leak Carries
Gators 2006 Uniform
Mr Two Bits though he officially retired, George Edmondson still made numerous appearances to cheer on the Gators
Albert pays tribute to Mr. Two Bits
Swamp Entrance
2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14, Jarvis Moss sacks Troy Smith in the 2nd quarter
2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14 Jarvis Moss sacks Troy Smith in the 2nd quarter and causes a fumble
2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14 a helmetless Earl Everett pursues Troy Smith
2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14 a helmetless Earl Everett sacks Troy Smith
Gators 2006 National Champions
2006 National Championship Game Gators 41 Ohio State Buckeyes 14
Chris Leak celebrates the 2006 National Championship
Coach Meyer and Dallas Baker receive a celebratory icebath
Coach Meyer celebrates the 2006 National Championship
Gators 2006 National Champions
The Promise
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Tebow and Coach Urban Meyer celebrate the victory
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Tebow carries in the 3rd quarter
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Percy Harvin carries
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Major Wright delivers a vicious hit on the first play of the game to set the tone.
2008 National Championship Game Gators 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14, Ahmad Black’s key 4th quarter interception set up the game winning drive.
Brandon Spikes celebrates the2008 National Championship
Urban Meyer Celebrates 2008 National Championship
Titletown, Albert and Erin Andrews celebrate
Titletown part 2, Erin Andrews and Tim Tebow
Heavener Complex
Heavener Complex part 2
Heavener Complex Hall of Champions
Heavener Complex Trophy Room 3 Heisman Trophy Winners
Heavener Complex National Championship Trophies