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

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. 6 through 10. And it’s a stout group to say the least. (NOTE: UF jersey records only go back to the early 1960s)

No. 6: TAYLOR JACOBS, WR (1998-02)

Also considered: Jemalle Cornelius, WR (2003-06); Judd Davis, PK (1993-94); Dante Fowler Jr., DE (2012-14); John James, P (1970-71); Quincy Wilson, CB (2015-16)

Other notable: Jeff Driskel, QB (2012-14); Robert McGinty, PK (1986-87)

The skinny: This was a tough call between Fowler and Jacobs that could have gone either way. Fowler was All-SEC first team once and All-SEC second team once. Jacobs was first-team All-SEC in 2002 and was Orange Bowl MVP that season. Why did he get the nod? In 2002, Jacobs led the Gators with 71 catches for 1,088 yards (both are top 10 numbers in school history). In a win over UAB, he accumulated a school-record 246 receiving yards. Jacobs finished his career with 133 catches. Fowler had 33 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in college. Jacobs’ best season probably was better than Fowler’s best season — and overall, their UF careers are comparable. Fowler had more All-SEC honors, but Jacobs shows up in more lists of the program’s all-time statistical leaders. For what it’s worth, Fowler had the far better pro career.

No. 7: DANNY WUERFFEL, QB (1992-96)

Also considered: Duke Dawson, DB (2014-17); John David Francis, PK (1988-89); Cornelius Ingram, TE (2004-08); Lorenzo Hampton, RB (1982-84); Jesse Palmer, QB, (1997-2000); John Reaves, QB (1969-71).

Other notable: Trevor Etienne, RB (2022-23); Will Grier, QB (2014-15); Terry LeCount, QB (1975-77); Pepe Lescano, QB (1985-87); Ronald Powell, DE (2010-13).

The skinny: Wuerffel is a no-brainer choice even though Reaves ended his Gators career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in passing yardage. Wuerffel remains among the most beloved players in UF history and for good reason. During his four seasons, Florida won four SEC championships and a national titles—the first in program history. He claimed the Heisman Trophy in 1996 and some think he should have won it the year before, too.

No. 8: REX GROSSMAN, QB (1999-2002)

Also considered: Trey Burton, TE (2010-13); Carlos Dunlap, DE (2007-08); Don Gaffney, QB (1973-75); Chad Jackson, WR (2003-05).

Other notable: Ricky Easmon, DB (1982-84); Nafis Karim, WR (1995-98).

The skinny: Because he wasn’t great in the NFL, it’s easy to forget how terrific Grossman was in college. In Steve Spurrier’s final season in Gainesville, Grossman was the Heisman runnerup after passing for 3,896 yards and 34 touchdowns. That yardage total was the school record for 19 season before Kyle Trask bested it in 2020. Many still believe Grossman should have won the Heisman in 2001. Instead, he lost to Nebraska’s Eric Crouch by only 62 votes. Grossman did win AP National Player of the Year.

No. 9: SHANE MATTHEWS, QB (1990-92)

Also considered: Gervon Dexter, DL (2020-22); Darrell Jackson, WR (1997-99), Anthone Lott, CB (1993-96); Ray McDonald, WR (1982-85); Louis Murphy, WR (2007-08); Gus Scott, DB (2001-03)

Other notable: Brock Berlin, QB (2000)

The skinny: Matthews was the first starting QB of the Spurrier era as coach and he was very good. The Gators won the program’s first official SEC title in 1991. Matthews led the conference in passing three straight seasons. He was first-team All-SEC three times and finished fifth in the 1991 Heisman Trophy voting.

No. 10: JABAR GAFFNEY, WR (2000-01)

Also considered: Jimmy Fisher, QB (1974-76); Monty Grow, LB/DB (1989-93); Eric Wilbur, P (2003-06); Tyrone Young, WR (1981-82).

Other notable: John Capel, WR (1998-99); Chan Gailey, QB (1971-73); ) Eric Kresser, QB 1994-95)

The skinny: Gaffney was one of the most productive receivers of Spurrier’s Fun ‘n’ Gun era. In 2000, he recorded 71 catches for 1,184 yards. In 2001, he had 67 receptions for 1,191 yards. During those two seasons, he recorded a combined 27 TD receptions. Gaffney is second all time in receiving yardage (2,375) for the UF program.

Related links

The greatest Gators ever by number: 1-5