Five Florida players to watch

<p><b>Tim Tebow</p><p>Quarterback</b></p><p><b>Key stat:</b> He has accounted for 37 touchdowns (12 rushing, 25 passing) and 2,806 total yards on the season.</p><p><b>Buzz:</b> The 2007 Heisman winner has come on strong in the second half of the season and again has emerged as one of the nation’s elite players. His impassioned promise after the loss to Ole Miss back in September seems to have ignited a competitive fire in the Gators, who haven’t lost (or even been threatened) since then.</p><p><b>Jeff Demps</p><p>Tailback</p><p>Key stat:</b> Three of his six rushing touchdowns this season have been for 40 yards or more.</p><p><b>Buzz: </b>He has given Urban Meyer’s spread offense what it was missing in Meyer’s first three seasons at UF, a home-run hitter at the tailback position. Despite his lack of size, most of his yardage and long runs have come between the tackles.</p><p><b>Brandon James</p><p>Kick returner</p><p>Key stat:</b> He has returned two punts for touchdowns this season.</p><p><b>Buzz:</b> Even though he is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball, opposing cover teams have done a good job bottling him up in recent weeks. Still, he’s averaging 14.7 yards per punt return.</p><p><b>Brandon Spikes</p><p>Middle linebacker</b></p><p><b>Key stat:</b> He leads the time in tackles with 80, including 8.0 for a loss.</p><p><b>Buzz:</b> He is the Tebow of the defense, a big-time playmaker and the inspirational leader who brings the best out in the players around him. Not only has Spikes excelled against the run, he’s been solid in his pass defense, picking off three passes this season.</p><p><b>Joe Haden</p><p>Cornerback</b></p><p><b>Key stat:</b> He has broken up 12 passes and has one interception. He’s also second on the team in tackles with 69.</p><p><b>Buzz:</b>The former high school quarterback was thrown into the fire at a new position a year ago as a true freshman, and those tough lessons have helped him emerge as a potential All-SEC player as a sophomore. He’s playing with confidence and always seems to be around the ball.</p>