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The Dominance of the 2007 Florida Gators Football Roster
The 2007 Florida Gators football team is widely regarded as one of the most dominant college football teams in history. Led by head coach Urban Meyer, the Gators finished the season with a 13-1 record and claimed the BCS National Championship by defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 41-14. Let’s take a closer look at the key players on the 2007 Florida Gators football roster and how they contributed to the team’s success.
Offensive Stars
One of the standout players on the 2007 Florida Gators roster was quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow, who won the Heisman Trophy that year, was a dual-threat quarterback known for his ability to both pass and run the ball effectively. He finished the season with 3,286 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, and 895 rushing yards. Tebow’s leadership on and off the field was instrumental in the Gators’ success that season.
Another key player on the offensive side of the ball was wide receiver Percy Harvin. Harvin was a dynamic playmaker who could line up at multiple positions and create mismatches for opposing defenses. He finished the season with 858 receiving yards, 764 rushing yards, and 10 total touchdowns. Harvin’s versatility and explosiveness made him a crucial weapon for the Gators.
Defensive Standouts
The 2007 Florida Gators defense was anchored by a number of talented players, including defensive end Derrick Harvey. Harvey was a disruptive force off the edge, recording 8.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss during the season. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt plays in the backfield was key to the Gators’ defensive success.
Linebacker Brandon Spikes was another standout on the defensive side of the ball. Spikes was a tackling machine, finishing the season with 131 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 1 interception. His leadership and playmaking ability helped solidify the Gators’ defense as one of the best in the nation.
Special Teams Excellence
Kicker Joey Ijjas was a reliable weapon for the Gators in 2007, connecting on 15 of 18 field goal attempts and all 61 extra point attempts. His accuracy and consistency in the kicking game were crucial in close games and helped secure victories for the Gators throughout the season.
Summary
The 2007 Florida Gators football roster was stacked with talent on both sides of the ball, from Heisman-winning quarterback Tim Tebow to standout defensive players like Derrick Harvey and Brandon Spikes. The team’s depth and skill at every position were key factors in their dominant run to the BCS National Championship. The legacy of the 2007 Florida Gators team lives on as one of the greatest college football teams of all time.