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Andy Smith's top Florida football players of all time. Read his top 10 Florida football players and power rankings.
Top 10 Greatest Florida Football Players Of All Time
In this ranking, we will analyze the top 10 greatest players in Florida football history. We will look at career statistics, legacy, and impact during their time with the Gators.
No. 10: Kyle Pitts, TE
Kyle Pitts is one of just two Florida Gators to win the John Mackey Award. Pitts’ career in Florida was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he flashed elite upside when on the field. Over his final two seasons, Pitts would tally 1,419 yards with 17 receiving scores. In his final season (2020), Pitts was named a consensus All-American and finished 10th in Heisman voting. His incredible seasons would push him up draft boards as he was taken fourth by the Atlanta Falcons.
No. 9: Jabar Gaffney, WR
Jabar Gaffney spent just two seasons playing for the Gators but was highly productive when on the field. Over just two campaigns, Gaffney would tally 2,375 receiving yards on 138 receptions. He would find the back of the end zone 27 times. As a freshman, Gaffney would lead the SEC in receiving yards and touchdowns. Then, as a sophomore, he would earn All-American honors. During these two years, he led the SEC in total receiving touchdowns.
No. 8: Danny Wuerffel, QB
After a modest start to his college career, Danny Wuerffel was one of the best quarterbacks in school history over his final two seasons. Over these two campaigns (1995, 1996), Wuerffel would lead the SEC in passing yards and scores in each campaign. In 1995, he would post a career-best 178.4 passer rating. Then, in his final season, Wuerffel would win the Heisman Trophy and lead the Gators to a National Championship.
No. 7: Errict Rhett, RB
Errict Rhett is the only running back in school history to eclipse the 4,000-yard mark. Rhett’s 4,163 rushing yards still stand as a school record. Rhett would not have a role in the offense during his first two seasons, but would become the top option over his final three. In 1991, Rhett ran for an SEC-leading 1,109 yards. He would then lead the SEC in rushing for a second time in his career (1,289 yards) during his final season in 1993. Rhett was also a two-time All-SEC selection.
No. 6: Maurkice Pouncey, C
Maurkice Pouncey is the only player in Florida history to win the Dave Rimington Trophy, which is given to the nation’s best center. Pouncey would serve as the leader of the Florida offense that won a National Championship in 2008. Pouncey would be named Connesus All-American during that same season. Pouncey would go on to enjoy a successful NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
No. 5: Percy Harvin, RB/WR
Percy Harvin was an elite playmaker with the Florida Gators. Across three seasons, the running back/wide receiver would tally 3,781 yards from scrimmage. He would tally 1,852 of them on the ground and the other 1,929 through the air. Harvin would find the back of the end zone 32 times. He would post an SEC-best 9.2 YPA during the 2007 campaign. He would also win two National Championships with the Gators in 2006 and 2008.
No. 4: Jack Youngblood, LB
Jack Youngblood was one of the most dominant linebackers and edge rushers in school history. Youngblood was an elite pass rusher in college as he was named a first-team All-American in 1970. During this season, he was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy and logged 29 career sacks. He would later be inducted into the Florida Ring of Honor.
No. 3: Jevon Kearse, LB
Jevon Kearse won several accolades during his time at the University of Florida. After sitting on the sidelines during the 1995 season, Kearse would go on to enjoy an impressive collegiate career. “The Freak” would be named a two-time first-team All-SEC (1997, 1998). During the 1998 campaign, Kearse was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American. He would later be drafted 16th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 1999 NFL Draft.
No. 2: Tim Tebow, QB
Tim Tebow had a legendary career at the University of Florida. Tebow led the Gators to two National Championships. Over his final three seasons (2007-2009), Tebow would lead the SEC in completion rate and passer rating. In 2007, he would capture the Heisman Trophy when he threw for a career-best 32 TDs. Over his final two seasons, Tebow would finish third and fifth in Heisman voting, respectively. He was also named SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2008.
No. 1: Emmitt Smith, RB
Lastly, one of the greatest football players of all time, Emmitt Smith, takes the top spot on this list. Smith would spend just three seasons at Florida but would enjoy great success. In 1987 and 1989, Smith would lead the SEC in rushing yards. Over his three-year career, Smith would tally 3,928 yards on the ground with 37 total scores. He was also named SEC Player of the Year during his final season (1998).
