#73 David Williams OT (1984-88) Williams was a mega-recruit from Lakeland High. After redshirting as a freshman in 1984, he started every game over the next four seasons. He was a road-grading run-blocker, but also had nimble feet and was solid in pass protection. He was a two-time second-team All-American and a first-round pick in the 1989 draft. #73 Shariff Floyd DT (2010-12) He was an All-American and All-SEC selection in a dominant 2012 season. Powerful and disruptive, he finished his career with 115 tackles, 26.0 tackles for losses and three blocked field-goal attempts. Other notables: OL Jim Watson, OL Xavier Nixon, OL Carlton Medder, OL Boy Lyle, OL Buddy Schultheis.
#72 Larry Gagner G (1963-65) He was a stud athlete at Daytona Beach Seabreeze, being named all-state in football (as a fullback), baseball and basketball. He was a two-year starter at guard with the Gators, earning All-SEC honors in 1964 and ’65. In addition, he was a first-team All-American as a senior in ’65. He played in the NFL and later was a successful artist in Tampa. Other notables: DT Dock Luckie, OL Jonotthan Harrison, OL Lance Butler, OL John Durden, Vel Heckman.
I remember Dock Luckie, used to pass by him from time to time during classes. Always gave Dock a wide berth, guy was chiseled and looked the part. If I recall correctly he had the bench press title for UF football players for awhile. One massive dude.
Glad Player shared this about Guy Dennis. Wow, I know exactly where Walnut Hill is, having lived in tiny Laurel Hill, FLA myself as a boy. Played 1A basketball against them. I did not know Walnut Hill produced such an amazing player, cool stuff for such a small town.
Larry Gagner had an Advertising Design degree. The Steelers drafted him & asked what car he liked. Soon a new Porsche showed up in the dorm parking lot (back in the days when players lived in the dorms with the rest of us). He drove the Porsche from Fl to Steelers training camp. On the way up he stopped and bought a couple of antique stands, which he had to strap on the outside of the Porsche. When he pulled into training camp Mean Joe Green made fun of him! Probably was a funny sight.
#71 Tony McCoy (1987-91) Quick and physical, McCoy helped Florida win its first SEC title and was an All-SEC performer. Picture Dominique Easley but he played longer and healthier and therefore more productive overall. He was so quick off the snap that nobody could handle him up front. He finished his career with 17.0 sacks and was All-SEC on the first officially recognized SEC Championship team for the Gators. McCoy received his minister's license through the United Christian Church and Ministerial Association in 1996. He currently serves as the senior pastor of Hope International Church, a non-denominational Christian church located in Groveland, Florida. #71 Mike Pearson OT (1999-01) He was one of the nation’s top prep offensive linemen at Seffner Armwood, and after redshirting as a true freshman in 1998, he became a three-year starter at left tackle before leaving early for the NFL. Pearson was a two-time first-team All-SEC pick and was a first-team All-American in 2001. #71 Jeff Mitchell (1992-96) Mitchell was the starting center for 3 straight years, including the 1996 national title season. Unfortunately, an injury ended his season early and he didn’t get a chance to play in the Sugar Bowl. In 1995, Mitchell was selected to the All-SEC 1st-team.
#70 Cooper Carlisle OL (1995-99) Carlisle redshirted as a true freshman in 1995, then was a part-time starter at left tackle in ’96 and ’97. He moved to guard in ’98 and was a two-year starter there. He earned All-SEC honors as a senior. Carlisle also was a four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. As only a redshirt freshman, Carlisle was responsible for protecting Danny Wuerffel’s blindside during the 1996 national championship season. He did a remarkable job as the Gators won it all and Wuerffel took home the Heisman Trophy. Carlisle was an All-American as a senior. Other notables: OT D.J. Humphries, OT Glenn Neely, OT Scott Trimble, OG Joe Wickline, OT Joe Pupello.
#69 Dan Fike OT (1979-82) Fike starred at Pensacola Pine Forest before signing with the Gators as a defensive lineman in 1979. He played extensively as a true freshman defensive tackle, including making four starts, on a team that went 0-10-1, then was moved to left tackle during spring drills in 1980. Fike was a three-year starter at left tackle and earned All-SEC acclaim after his senior season. #69 Zack Piller (1996-98) Piller was a sophomore letterman on the 1996 Gators squad that defeated the in-state rival Florida State Seminoles in the Sugar Bowl to win the national championship. As a senior team captain in 1998, he was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection. Other notables: DL Bill Dorsey, Ol Dennis Forrester.
#68 Mike Degory C (2001-05) Degory was one of the most fundamentally sound football players to ever play for the Gators. He had incredible football smarts and started all 50 games he played during his career – something only accomplished by Degory and Larry Kennedy. He anchored the offensive line during the last 2 seasons in which the Gators had a 1,000 yard rusher (2002, 2004). Honorable Mention: Rhondy Weston, DT (1985-88)
#67 John Barrow G (1954-56) Barrow, from Delray Beach Atlantic via Georgia Military Academy, arrived at UF as an end, and his first college play on the freshman team was a TD reception. He was moved to guard as a sophomore and became a three-year starter. He was the SEC lineman of the year and an All-American as a senior in 1956. He played for 15 years in the CFL, later became a GM in that league and is in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. #67 Darrell Carpenter DT (1974-76) He was one of the Gators’ best defensive players in the ’70s, using technique, leverage and athletic ability to consistently make plays up front. He was second team All-SEC his junior and senior seasons. Other notables: DE Mark Campbell, OL Drew Miller, OL Jon Halapio, DL Larry Travis.
My guy, and he went on to have a great pro career. Close to HOF type numbers. What could have been if he had played for SOS. Wow “Wes Chandler was Percy Harvin before Percy Harvin was born.”
