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The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 46-50

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr07/06/25On3Keith
NCAA Football: Hawaii at Florida
August 30, 2008; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive end Jermaine Cunningham (49) pressures Hawaii Warriors quarterback Brent Rausch (16) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Who are the greatest Florida Gators football players ever by jersey number? Gators Online is taking a deep dive into UF history and offering our thoughts. Today, we look at Nos. 46 through 50. (NOTE: UF jersey records only go back to the early 1960s)

NO. 46: JARVIS HERRING, DB (2001-05)

Also considered: Webbie Burnett, NG (1986-87)

Other notable: Jimmy Barr, DB (1969-71); Jim Revels, DB (1971)

The skinny: In Florida’s miracle 18-17 win against unbeaten and fifth-ranked Auburn in 1986, it was Burnett who recovered a key fourth-quarter Auburn fumble. A few minutes later, the Gators scored a TD, got the 2-point conversion and wrapped up an amazing comeback. Herring, though, is the choice. He made 22 starts for the Gators and was a captain on Urban Meyer’s first UF team.

NO. 47: BRUCE VAUGHAN, DB (1980-83)

Also considered: Todd McCullough, LB (2001-05)

Other notable: Brandon Antwine, DT (2006-09); Matt Pearson, LB (1991-95)

The skinny: A solid defensive back for some excellent Gator defenses, Vaughan had 10 career interceptions, which ranks among the top totals in Florida history. Four of those picks came in 1983, when the Gators ended the season ranked No. 6 in the country. He also made the SEC Academic honor roll.

No. 48: DEXTER DANIELS, LB (1992-95)

Also considered: Wayne Barfield, PK/RB (1965-67)

Other notable: Todd Gatlin, LB (1985-88)

The skinny: A touted recruit from Georgia, Daniels ultimately became a two-time All-SEC linebacker and played on three SEC championship squads. He was a First-Team All-SEC pick in 1995, when the Gators went 12-1. Barfield was a First-Team SEC kicker in his final season.

No. 49: JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM, DE (2006-09)

Also considered: Jeff Chandler, PK (1998-2001); Fernando Jackson, LB (1979-82)

Other notable: Darrin Kitchens, LB (2010-13)

The skinny: Jackson was an All-SEC inside linebacker and Chandler was three times All-SEC and a Second-Team All-American, but Cunningham is the pick. A second-round draft choice, Cunningham made 38 career starts for UF and recorded 152 tackles, 34 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. He was a two time Second-Team All-SEC selection. Cunningham was an impact player for one of the best defensive lines in the country and left Gainesville with two national titles.

No. 50: BRAD CULPEPPER, DT (1988-91)

Also considered: Phil Bromley, C (1982-84); Ricky Browne, LB (1971-73); Yancey Sutton, DE (1977-1980)

Other notable: Marcus Oquendo-Johnson, LB (1998-2002)

The skinny: Sutton’s story remains one of the greatest in college football history. He lost his hearing as a child and though deaf he ended up being a really good player at UF. Ultimately, though, this came down to Bromley and Culpepper. Bromley was the center for UF’s famed “Great Wall of Florida” offensive line and a First-Team All-SEC pick. But Culpepper, who also was student body president, was a dominant tackle and 1991 AP First-Team All-American. He had a lights-out 47.5 tackles for a loss as a Gator.

The greatest Gators ever by number: 1-5
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 6-10
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 11-15
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 16-20
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 21-25
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 26-30
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 31-35
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 36-40
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 41-45

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