The Football Insider: September 5, 2008

When you think about Florida sophomore defensive tackle Torrey Davis, think Steven Harris. Remember Harris? He had his scholarship taken away in the spring before his senior season and had to earn his way back on the team by making wholesale attitude and lifestyle changes. The Gators don’t win a national championship in 2006 without Harris playing lights out the last five games.

Before Harris was allowed back on the team in 2006, he had to jump through more hoops than a circus poodle. First and foremost, he had to take responsibility and show accountability for three children born out of wedlock. There was nothing easy about Urban Meyer’s redemption program. Harris will be the first to tell you that it was the toughest thing he ever did.

He will also tell you that it was the best and greatest thing that ever happened to him. Steven Harris became a man because his football coach forced him to confront his own frailties.

Read the rest on our exclusive, members only BullGator Den forum!

Not a member? Join Gator Country today and get the REAL inside scoop…

Franz Beard
Back in January of 1969, the late, great Jack Hairston, then the sports editor of the Jacksonville Journal, called me on the phone one night and asked me if I wanted to work for him. I said yes. The entire interview took 30 seconds. It's my experience that whenever the interview lasts 30 seconds or less, I get the job. In the 48 years that I've been writing and getting paid for it, I've covered Super Bowls, World Series, NCAA basketball championships, BCS championship games, heavyweight title fights and what seems like thousands of college football, baseball and basketball games. I'm a columnist and special assignments editor for Gator Country once again, writing about the only team that ever mattered to me, the Florida Gators.