The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 16-20

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 look at Nos. 16 through 20. (NOTE: UF jersey records only go back to the early 1960s)

NO. 16: A.J. JONES, LB (2007-10)

Also considered: Vernell Brown Jr., CB (2001-05); Skipper Peek, DB (1977-79); Chris Perkins, PK (1983-84), Freddie Swain, WR, (2016-19)

Other notable: Brian Schottenheimer, QB (1994-96); Harmon Wages, QB (1965-67)

The skinny: Among those who wore No. 16: QB Brian Fox, QB Chris Stephens and QB Tim Olmstead, none of whom did much in Gainesville. Brown was solid and his son now plays for the Gators. Perkins once kicked a 60-yard field goal. Jones, though not an All-American, was a fine player in the Urban Meyer era. He made 40 career starts, finishing with 162 total tackles in his career, 15.0 tackles-for-loss 5.0 sacks and 3 interceptions. He started for the 2008 national champ Florida Gators.

NO. 17: CHAS HENRY, P/PK (2007-10)

Also considered: Reche Caldwell, WR (1998-2001); Zachary Carter, DL (2018-20)

Other notable: Noah Brindise, QB (1996-97); Jeff Dawson, PK (1985-86)

The skinny: Caldwell was a top-notch receiver. He finished his Florida career with 141 receptions. In 2001, he had 65 catches for 1,059 yards, both of which rank among the top 15 on Florida’s single-season charts. But Henry gets the nod largely due to his special senior season in which he won the Ray Guy Award for college football’s best punter and was a consensus first-team All-American. Caldwell’s best recognition was second-team All-SEC.

No. 18: LOUIS OLIVER, S (1985-88)

Also considered: Tony Lilly, DB (1981-83)

Other notable: Bobby Sabelhaus, QB (1995)

The skinny: Of those who wore this number for UF, Oliver and Lilly were the only real stars. Unfortunately — and unfairly for Lilly — he often is remembered for a costly gaffe in Florida’s 1983 tie at Southern California. But he was first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American in 1983. He also was twice second-team All-SEC. A former walk-on, Oliver was a physical specimen and one of the baddest dudes ever to play in Gainesville. He could run like the wind and was a big-time intimidator in the secondary. Oliver was twice an All-American and became a first-round pick. His 11 interceptions as a Gator are in the top 10 all time at UF.

No. 19: IKE HILLIARD, WR (1994-96) 

Also considered: Travis Taylor, WR (1997-99); Johnny Townsend, P (2013-17); Caleb Sturgis, PK (2008-2012)

Other notable: Rodney Brewer, QB (1984-86); Evan McPherson, PK (2018-20); Herbert Perry, QB (1987-89)

The skinny: Three decades after his last UF game, Hilliard still remains one of the biggest names in program history. He never led the Gators in receiving in a season, but he was a special player and his 29 TD receptions still is tied for second best all time in UF history. Meanwhile, he ranks in the top 10 in receiving yards, with 2,214. Hilliard snagged a TD pass every 4.34 receptions. His three touchdown catches vs. FSU in the Sugar Bowl to cap the 1996 season helped the Gators win their first national championship and cemented his legendary status in UF lore.

No. 20: ROBERT GILLESPIE, RB (1998-2001)

Also considered: Joe Cohen, DL (2003-06); Robert Gillespie, RB (1998-2001); Vince Kendrick, RB (1971-73); Tony Lomack, WR (1987-89); Marcus Maye, DB (2012-16).

Other notable: Tim Groves, DB (1978-1980); Brett Wiechmann, WR (1983-86)

The skinny: This was a tough call, largely because nobody really stands out. Lomack was a nice player. Kendrick once led the team in rushing but has modest stats. A converted QB and terrific player, Groves was second-team All-SEC in 1980. But this essentially came down to Maye and Gillespie. Maye had an excellent career and was All-SEC second team in 2016. He had three seasons of 50-plus tackles. But by a hair, Gillespie got the nod. He was a tailback who could run and catch passes, making him a great fit for Steve Spurrier’s high-powered offense. Gillespie rushed for 1,854 yards and had 1,091 receiving yards during a solid Gator career. Per Wikipedia, he “became the second all-time Gators running back in career receptions (96) and receiving yards.”

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The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 6-10
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 11-15