The Florida football team hopes to improve in the SEC after finishing the 2023–24 season without making it to a bowl game. Florida used to be one of the most formidable teams in college football. Tim Tebow and Aaron Hernandez, two former Gator standouts, had some of the greatest classes, as Cam Newton revealed.
On a YouTube episode of his sports show, “4th and 1 with Cam Newton,” Newton shared his thoughts:
“Who had the best two recruiting classes in consecutive years? That’s the question I have for the fans. The 2006 and 2007 University of Florida recruiting classes combined were likely the most dominant ever. If not the best, they’re definitely in the Top 5, because the first programs that come to mind are Miami and Alabama,” Newton said.
“Lakeland natives Mike and Maurkice Pouncey, along with Chris Rainey and Ahmad Black, f*****g Florida, fresh out of Lakeland High School—the list goes on.”
Tim Tebow and Aaron Hernandez joined the Florida football program in 2006 and 2007, respectively. With the Gators, Tebow won two national championships: one in 2006–07 and another in 2008–09. Hernandez attended the later title as well. After completing their college careers, the two former Gators proceeded to play in the NFL.
Tim Tebow played in the NFL for three seasons, mostly with the Denver Broncos. Aaron Hernandez also spent three seasons as a player for the New England Patriots. The Florida teams that featured Tebow and Hernandez were formidable opponents. In addition to the talent Cam Newton indicated, their team included standouts like Chris Rainey and the Pouncey twins.
The Florida team of 2024 is different from previous years’ teams, yet they still seem capable of winning.
Florida football looks to make massive improvement
With a 5-7 record at the end of the 2023–24 campaign, the Gators were unable to earn a bowl trip. Considering the caliber of skill in the SEC, their performance made sense. Still, the club, under by head coach Billy Napier, has great expectations for 2024–2025. The Gators have a highly anticipated recruiting class, and they should succeed thanks to their returning talent.
Furthermore, Scotty White from ClutchPoints highlighted a potential breakout star for Florida in the upcoming season.
“The Florida football team is set to face some incredibly talented offenses this season, and the defense needs to be prepared. One player who appears ready for a breakout year is cornerback Sharif Denson. Though Denson had a quiet first season with the Gators, he is positioned to play a much larger role in 2024. He is expected to be one of the team’s top cornerbacks, which means he should see significant playing time,” White wrote.
In the 2023-24 season, Sharif Denson recorded seven total tackles and zero interceptions. He may be gearing up for a more prominent role in the upcoming season.
It will be interesting to see how the Gators perform against tougher competition. With the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners joining the SEC in Fall 2024, can Florida reclaim its former college football glory?
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