Steve Spurrier seemed to be bored by defense.
In his day, it was Fun ‘N Gun, first downs and touchdowns. But over the years, the Gators have played a little defense, too, as the legends of Jack Youngblood and Wilber Marshall should show.
Someday, maybe those guys will have statues outside of the stadium, too.
Until then, here at the SaintPetersBlog, we will debate the team’s top 10 defenders ever.
10. Vernon Hargreaves, DB (2012-2015): Hargreaves led a Gators’ defense that was a surprise winner of the SEC East. A cornerback, he was the 11thย overall pick of the Bucs.
9. Keiwan Ratliff, DB (2000-2003): The SEC defensive player of the year in 2003. Had nine interceptions to lead the SEC as a senior. Second-round draft pick of Bengals.
8. Dante Fowler, LB (2012-2014): Fowler was a two-time all-SEC performer for the Gators. He was drafted third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
7. Lito Sheppard, DB (1999-2001): Sheppard played ten years in the NFL, including two Pro Bowls. As a Gator, he was a member of the 2000 SEC champions.
6. Kevin Carter, DE (1990-1994): Carter’s teams won three SEC titles while he was at Florida. A No. 1 draft pick of the Rams, Carter made two Pro Bowls. He was the sixth overall pick.
5. Mike Peterson, LB (1996-1998): Peterson was a starting linebacker on the team’s 1996 national champions. He played 13 years in the NFL for the Colts, Jags and Falcons.
4. Scot Brantley, LB (1977-1979): A head injury cut Brantley’s career short, but not before he had established himself as a stellar player. He played for years for the Tampa Bay Bucs.
3. Javon Kearse, DE (1995-1998): No one had to ask why his nickname was โThe Freak.โ Kearse, a No. 1 draft pick of Tennessee, played 11 seasons in the NFL. He was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 1992.
2. Wilber Marshall, LB (1980-1983): Marshall’s memories are largely about the Chicago Bears, but he was at the heart of one of Florida’s toughest defenses while with the Gators. He was three times all-SEC, and ABC named him their Defensive Player of the Year.
1. Jack Youngblood, DE (1968-1970): One of the most unchallenged of Gator legends, a player who reached seven Pro Bowls and the Hall of Fame in the NFL. He led a 9-1-1 Gator team that won Ray Graves’ final game.
