Countdown to Kickoff 2025

We continue our Countdown with a great tight end from the late 60's and early 70's.

#87 Jim Yancey, TE (1968-71)
Yancey, who played at Miami Palmetto, was a two-year starter for the Gators. He had 64 receptions for 842 yards and six TDs as a starter in 1970 and ’71. Yancey, whose nickname
was “Monk,” was a first-team All-SEC pick in 1970. Jim Yancey was an AP honorable mention All-American in 1970. He once had an 81-yard TD reception against Florida State.
Other notables: DE Mike Clark, DE Rodney Jones.

 

At #86 we honor a pair of Gator Greats from years gone by.

#86 Pat Patchen E (1957-60)
Known mostly for his defensive work, Patchen had his moments on offense, including catching the game-winning TD pass against Miami as a sophomore in 1958. He was a first-team All-SEC pick as a senior in 1960, when he also earned honorable mention All-America notice.

#86 Gary Rolle WR (1982-84)
He is yet another great UF success story, going from unknown walk-on to starting wide receiver and major contributor. Rolle, who grew up in Miami, went on to attend medical school at UF, then spent five years as a resident in New Orleans before landing a fellowship in sports medicine at UF in 1995. He says his experience as an athlete has helped tremendously in his career. Last we heard Gary was the team doctor for Florida A&M and a Florida Foundation board member in 2007.
Other notables: WR Riley Cooper, DE Darrell Lee, DE Vince Jones, TE Charlie Dean.

Gary Rolle & family in 2007

 

We continue our countdown with #85.

#85 David Galloway, DL (1978-81)
A big-time recruit from Brandon High, Galloway is one of the best defensive linemen in UF history despite injuries; he missed all of one season after a knee injury and half of another with a broken foot. He started at both end and tackle during his career, and was a first-team All-American as a senior in 1981. He finished his career with 20 sacks and 10 fumble recoveries, which is an unofficial school record. He was drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Cardinals. Other notables: WR Frankie Hammond, WR Paul Ewaldson.

 

#84 Lynn Matthews DE (1962-65)
Matthews, from Tampa Chamberlain, was a three-year starter. He went both ways as a sophomore in 1963, also playing tight end, but was strictly a defender in his final two seasons. He was a first-team All-American as a senior in 1965 and earned All-SEC plaudits as a junior and senior.

#84 Ben Troupe TE (2000-03) – One of the most athletic tight ends to wear a Gator jersey, Troupe led the team in receptions in 2003. A fan favorite, Troupe totaled 64 catches for 958 yards and 7 touchdowns over the course of his career. Other notables: WR Harrison Houston, TE Tate Casey, TE Kyle Pitts.

 

We continue our countdown with a local player who became a Gator Great.

#83 Dwayne Dixon WR (1981-83)
He grew up near Gainesville and went to Alachua Santa Fe. He was a two-year starter and led Florida in receiving both those seasons (1982 and ’83); he was a first-team All-SEC pick as a senior in ’83. Dixon later served as a wide receiver coach for the Gators under Spurrier. He was one of UF’s best and most productive receivers in the 1980s. He led the Gators in receptions his junior and senior years, combining to catch 87 passes for 1,185 yards and four touchdowns. Other notables: DE Harvey Thomas, TE Jack Coons, WR David Nelson.