Colleges

Leak makes mark on UF history in farewell

The senior QB finds himself in good company after steering the Gators to a national title

By GREG AUMAN
Published January 9, 2007

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GLENDALE, Ariz. - On a night when he outplayed one Heisman Trophy winner, Florida quarterback Chris Leak put himself in elite company with another one, finishing his career Monday by leading the Gators to a national title.

"He might have left with all the hardware, but he's about to be handed the most important piece of hardware there is," offensive coordinator Dan Mullen said as Leak raised the crystal football that goes to college football's champions.

Leak kissed the trophy, savoring the moment as he had in the final seconds of Florida's 41-14 upset, slinging the game ball straight up in celebration.

"It's the greatest feeling, to be national champs," said Leak, who was named offensive player of the game after passing for 213 yards and a touchdown. "I'm so thankful to be around my great teammates, my great coaches. We've worked so hard to get to this point. I'm just so proud."

Leak did everything Ohio State's Troy Smith couldn't: He made plays, he consistently moved the chains on third down, and he did what only Danny Wuerffel has done in the program's history - bring home a national title.

"He's officially one of the top two quarterbacks ever at the University of Florida," coach Urban Meyer said. "There's only two in 100 years of football to win a national title, and Chris Leak is one of them."

Leak completed his first nine passes, hitting four receivers on the opening touchdown drive, capped by a 14-yard touchdown he floated to Dallas Baker.

Ohio State had taken the lead when Ted Ginn took the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Leak's first touchdown answered that, but the next drive - keyed by a 20-yard completion to tight end Cornelius Ingram on third down - gave the Gators momentum and a lead they would never lose.

"It's his legacy, and it's what he's leaving at the University of Florida," said freshman Tim Tebow, who will take over as starter next season.

Leak was at his best on third down, completing 9 of 12 passes for seven first downs. After the game, he gave credit to Mullen.

"I was so prepared for this game, so ready to play my best game because of Coach Mullen," Leak said. "I appreciate him so much. I'm speechless how happy I am for him and the coaching staff, how hard we all worked."

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@sptimes.com or 813 226-3346. View his blog at blogs.tampabay.com/usf/.

[Last modified January 9, 2007, 02:42:45]