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The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 61-65

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Florida players raise their helmets in the air in celebration following a win over South Carolina on Nov. 5, 2022. (James Gilbert / Getty Images)

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. 61 through 65. (NOTE: UF jersey records only go back to the early 1960s)

No. 61: Ellis Johnson, DL (1991-94)

Also considered: Gerald Warren, DL (1997-2000)

Other notable: Brett Heggie, OL (2016-20); Gerald Loper, OL (1973-75); Mo Mitchell, OL (2001-04)

The skinny: Johnson, a Gators great from Wildwood, Fla., was a key player along the UF defensive line for multiple SEC championship teams. In 1994, he was First-Team All-SEC, an All-American and the CNN Defensive Player of the Year. He was strong on the interior against the run and also a force with his pass rush. Johnson was a first-round pick by the Colts.

No. 62: MAC STEEN, OT (1967-69)

Also considered: Alonzo Mitz, DL(1982-85); Corey Yarbrough, OL (1995-99)

Other notable: Red Anderson, DL (1964-66)

The skinny: Steen was an All-SEC pick in 1969, when the Gators went 9-1-1 and nearly won the SEC championship. He was a prominent player for three seasons, a captain in 1969 and apparently was thought by then-coach Ray Graves to be the program’s best tackle in the 1960s.

No. 63: MIKE WILLIAMS, OT (1973-75)

Also considered: Don Swafford, OT (1976, 78)

Other notable: Jim Tartt, OL (2004-08); Trip Thurman, OL (2011-15)

The skinny: Florida’s 1975 team was probably the program’s best and most talented in the 1970s and Williams, a tackle, was the top player that season on a very good offensive line. He was First-Team All-SEC. All told, Williams played for three bowl teams.

No. 64: BURTON LAWLESS, OL (1972-74)

Other notable: Bill Bennek, OL, (1977-79); Bob Hosack, OL (1960-62); Kyle Koehne, OL (2009-13); Keith Tribble, OL (1975-76); John Whatley, OL (1963-65)

The skinny: Easy choice. Lawless was twice All-SEC, an All-American in 1974 and is a member of the UF Athletic Hall of Fame. He was probably the best lineman on a very good 1974 UF team that had a few notable wins and played in the Sugar Bowl. Later, Lawless made the NFL All-Rookie team with the Dallas Cowboys and won a Super Bowl.

No. 65: JIMMY RAY STEPHENS, OL (1973)

Also considered: Jawaan Taylor, OL (2016-18)

Other notable: Kingsley Equakun, OL (2019-23)

The skinny: Stephens wore multiple numbers at UF, but in 1973 was Second-Team All-SEC at center. In 1976, he was Second-Team All-SEC at tight end. He later was on the Gators staff under then-coach Steve Spurrier for several seasons.

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
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 46-50
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 51-55
The greatest Gators ever by number: Nos. 56-60

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