The greatest Gators ever by number: 1-5

Who are the greatest Florida Gators football players ever by jersey number? Over the next several days, Gators Online will take a deep dive into UF history and offer our take. Today, we introduce this series by looking at Nos. 1 through 5. And it’s a stout group to say the least. (NOTE: UF jersey records only go back to the early 1960s)

NO. 1: PERCY HARVIN, WR (2007-08)

Also considered: Wayne Fields, S (1974-75); Tony George, DB (1995-98); Vernon Hargreaves Ill, CB (2013-15); CJ Henderson, CB (2019); Jack Jackson, WR (1991-94); Reggie Nelson, S (2006); Ricky Pearsall, WR (2022-23); Keiwan Ratliff, CB (2000-03); Kadarius Toney, WR (2019-20)

Other notable: Dale Dorminey, QB (1981, 1983)

The skinny: While this number is loaded with talent, the choice for the greatest Gator to wear No. 1 is a no-brainer. After wearing No. 8 as a freshman, Harvin switched to No. 1 his final two seasons and dominated college football, earning All-America honors in both 2007 and 2008. He will go down as one of the most electrifying offensive players in Florida Gators history. In three seasons, he helped Florida win two national titles and finished with a combined 3,781 rushing/receiving yards. Meanwhile, he scored 32 total touchdowns. Harvin was the No. 22 pick in the NFL Draft.

NO. 2: ADRIAN WHITE, S (1984-86)

Also considered: Bo Carroll, RB (1997-2000); Jeff Demps, RB (2008-09); Dominique Easley, DL (2011-13); Lamical Perine, RB, (2019); Will White, S (1990-92); Berj Yepremian, PK (1974-75)

Other notable: DJ Lagway, QB (2024); Shane Matthews, QB (1989 before switching to No. 9) 

The skinny: White, an all-conference player and second-team All-American, started on two of Florida’s most talented teams ever. He was a hard-hitting safety and consensus first-team All-SEC pick who helped the Florida Gators finish first in the SEC in 1984 and ’85 for the first time in school history. White was selected 55th overall in the 1987 draft.

No. 3: LITO SHEPPARD, CB (1999-2001)

Also considered: Travis McGriff, WR (1995-98); Larry Kennedy, CB (1991-94); Antonio Morrison, LB, (2013-15); Chris Rainey, RB (2008-2010); Bobby Raymond, PK (1982-84)

Other notable: Eugene Wilson Ill, WR (2023-24); Marco Wilson, CB (2017-20)

The skinny: Sheppard was a first-team AP All-American in 2000 and second-team pick a year later. He arguably is one of the top two or three corners in Florida Gators history. He left for the NFL after his junior season and was the 26th overall pick of the first round. Sheppard was first-team All-Pro in 2004.

No. 4: LAWRENCE WRIGHT, SS (1993-96)

Also considered: Kyle Christy, P (2012-14); Ciatrick Fason, RB (2002-04); Marquand Manuel, DB (1997-01); Brandon Powell, WR (2015-17); Kerry Watkins DB (1987-89).

Other notable: Vernell Brown Sr., DB (1982-85); Andre Debose, WR/KR (2009-14)

The skinny: Wright is the choice with C-4 (Fason) probably next. Simply put, Wright was the heart and soul of the Florida Gators football team in the mid-1990s. A hard-hitting safety, he is best known for his bone-jarring hit on Tennessee receiver Joey Kent in 1995 that caused a fumble. In 1996, he won the Thorpe Award as the country top defensive back.

No. 5: JACQUEZ GREEN, WR (1996-97)

Also considered: Andre Caldwell, WR (2003-07); CJ Henderson, CB (2017-18); Kaiir Elam, CB (2019-21); Earnest Graham, RB (1998-2002); Joe Haden (2008-09)

Other notable: Emory Jones, QB, (2018-21)

The skinny: This number is top heavy for sure. Caldwell (185) has the most catches in UF history. Graham is No. 5 in Florida Gators rushing yards for a career (3,065). Haden was a unanimous first-team All-American and 7th overall draft pick. Henderson was All-SEC three times and a top-10 draft pick.

But Green was both great and iconic. He averaged 19 yards a catch for Florida’s first national title team in 1996 and was a first-team AP All-American in 1997. The lightning-fast Green not only was a standout receiver but one of the best kick returners in school history. In a 1996 blowout over Kentucky, he took two punt returns to the end zone. Green’s long late-game catch vs. FSU in an upset over the No. 1 ‘Noles in 1997 is his most memorable play — and one of the most famous in Florida Gators history.