Florida Football: Definitive all-time 2-deep Gators depth chart

Receivers/Tight Ends

Starting tight end: Aaron Hernandez
Backup: Ben Troupe

Of course, Aaron Hernandez’s story ended tragically, however, he stands as the most productive tight end in Gator history as he recorded 111 catches for 1,382 and 12 touchdowns. He dominated in 2009, finishing the season with the most receptions on the team. That same season he became the first tight end in both Florida and SEC history to win the John Mackey Award for the best tight end in college football.

Though not as well known, Ben Troupe quietly produced a solid career for the Gators from 2000-03. Troupe had eight touchdowns in his career and earned a spot on the First-Team All-SEC and First-Team All-American teams.

Starting receivers: Percy Harvin, Carlos Alvarez
Backup: Cris Doering

As a hybrid, Percy Harvin can’t be solely categorized as either a running back or wide receiver. For our purposes, however, we’ll categorize him as a receiver who doubled as the most explosive playmaker in Florida Gator history. Harvin was named the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2006 which was the least of his accomplishments. He remains the only player in Florida’s storied history to accrue over 1,000 rushing and receiving yards over the course of his career. Indeed, Florida has never had a greater playmaker than Harvin.

Harvin’s playmaking proclivities shouldn’t overshadow the other great Gator receivers. In the 1970s, during a time when passing statistic often fail to compare to current heights, Carlos Alvarez set records that still stand to this day. His 88-reception season remains the most in Gator history (though Chad Jackson tied the record in 2005), and his 15 receptions against Miami in 1969 continues atop the leader board.

And let’s not forget about Cris Doering, a walk-on turned record-setter. Doering is the current all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 31, ranks sixth in receptions and tenth in receiving yards. Doering was named a “Gator Great” in 2006.