Who was the best player to wear No. 11 in Florida football history?
That’s an easy one.
Steve Spurrier. Everyone knows that.
The same goes for No. 7 (Danny Wuerffel) and, of course, No. 15 (Tim Tebow).
But what about No. 21 or No. 32 or No. 97?
Over the last few weeks, we’’ve been looking at every number and picking out the best Gator player at each one.
Today, we close with Nos. 91-99:
No. 91
Derrick Harvey, DE, 2005-07
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 91: This highly rated prospect’s UF career got off to a relatively slow start, but he broke out in a big way in his junior season. In 2016, he recorded 8.5 sacks and 17 tackles for losses and was a second team All-SEC selection. He left after his junior season and was drafted in the first round by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Other notables: DL Derrick Chambers, LB Stephon Mack.
No. 92
Darren Mickell, DE, 1990-91
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 92: His UF career was relatively brief, but when he was on the field he was a dominant force and one of UF’s best playmaking defensive linemen in the 1990s.
Other notables: DE Jabari Zuniga, DT Reggie McGrew, OLB Ephesians Bartley.
No. 93
Alonzo Johnson, DE, 1982-85
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 93: This edge rusher was a consensus two-time All-American and All-SEC first team choice. In his senior season, he had 12 sacks and 19 tackles for losses. He finished his career with 27 sacks and 55 tackles for losses.
Other notables: All-American defensive end Trace Armstrong, DE Tim Beauchamp, DT Steven Harris, DT Taven Bryan.
No. 94
William Gaines, DT, 1990-93
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 94: This big, athletic tackle from Mississippi was a mainstay for three seasons up front for the Gators. He was first team All-SEC in his senior season.
Other notables: DE Jarvis Moss, DE Justin Trattou, DT William Gaines, DE Melvin Flourney.
No. 95
Ray McDonald, DT/DE, 2002-06
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 95: The son of former standout UF wide receiver Ray McDonald, McDonald had some of his father’s speed and athletic ability that made him a top playmaker on the defensive front. He played an integral role on defense on the 2006 national championship team.
Other notables: DT Torrey Davis, DT Jeff Whitaker, DE Alex McCalister.
No. 96
Jeff Roth, NT, 1984-88
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 96: He wasn’t very big for a nose tackle, only about 250 pounds, but he more than held his own with his quickness and high motor. He was a two-time All-SEC selection in his junior and senior seasons.
Other notables: DE Cece Jefferson, DE William Green.
No. 97
David Barnard, DT, 1992-95
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 97: He was a big-time (and big) run stuffer for the Gators for four seasons. He was a rock in the middle of the UF defensive front.
Other notables: DE Mike Brandon, DE Roland Cummings.
No. 98
Godfrey Myles, OLB, 1988-91
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 98: He was a big, athletic outside linebacker who consistently made plays from sideline to sideline. He was All-SEC in his junior season.
Other notables: OLB Patrick Miller, DE Anthony Mitchell, DE Anthony Riggins.
No. 99
Sammy Green, LB/DL, 1973-75
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 99: Green was big enough and tough enough to play nose tackle, fast enough and athletic enough to also play linebacker. He excelled at both positions throughout his stellar career. He was named an All-American in a senior season that saw him record 202 tackles and average a remarkable 13 tackles a game. For his career, he averaged 8.0 tackles a game.
Other notables: LB Tim Paulk, DE Jachai Polite, DT Ian Scott, DE Buck Gurley.
(PIC) ”Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey (91), tackles Ohio State’s Brian Hartline (9) in the first half at the BCS national championship game in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 8, 2007.
Derrick Harvey, DE, 2013-16
Why he’s the No. 1 No. 91: This highly rated prospect’s U.F. career got off to a relatively slow start, but he broke out in a big way in his junior season. In 2016, he recorded 8.5 sacks and 17 tackles for losses and was a second team All-SEC selection.” -Gatorsports.com
So, Robbie, Derrick Harvey had a 10 year career at U.F.??? They’d been pretty cool, but the NCAA would’ve called U.F. out on that one. Although they are doing little to Will Wade at L.S.U. at the moment, so…
Good catch Gatorgi. You have a good eye for details.
Thank you sir! Sorry for delay, I usually don’t even look back at my posts after I make ’em, so… but thanks!