Colleges

Once more, with feeling

The Gators celebrate their football national title on an emotional day at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published January 14, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Brian Cassella] Coach Urban Meyer speaks to the crowd, estimated at 70,000 as the final score of the championship game is flashed behind him. [Times photo: Brian Cassella] Gator fans cheer as a highlight video of the championship game against Ohio State is shown on the Florida Field scoreboard. [Times photo: Brian Cassella] Wide receiver Dallas Baker, left, defensive back Reggie Nelson, center, and defensive back Jermaine McCollum enjoy the event as the Gators celebrate their national championship.

GAINESVILLE - So much had happened since Florida won the national championship on Monday night, the coaches and players hadn't really had a chance to comprehend it all.

On Saturday afternoon, at a celebratory gathering in front of an announced 70,000 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, some were still trying to take it all in. For others, the reality finally hit.

"I think it finally sunk in today when I saw the emotions," senior defensive end Ray McDonald said. "It was a lot of emotions. We weren't playing, but it seemed like we were. We appreciate our fans coming out."

"I don't know when it's going to hit me," senior quarterback Chris Leak said.

The celebration included season highlights on the big screen, an introduction of every senior attending several were at all-star games and a cameo by former quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who came to "pass the baton to the school's second national championship team." He also presented Leak with the game's MVP trophy.

"He's a class act, a great person," Leak said of Wuerffel. "It means a lot. I feel real thankful and real blessed. I can't say enough about how much I appreciated that."

Urban Meyer said he was emotional when he found out Friday night that Wuerffel would attend.

"When Danny Wuerffel walked out of that tunnel, I lost it a little bit when he handed Chris Leak that trophy," the coach said. "That's college football right there."

The seniors said they felt great sadness they will never run out of the south end zone tunnel again, but overwhelming joy at the way the season ended.

"You couldn't ask for a better senior year," McDonald said. "We wanted to go undefeated, but that doesn't matter now because we're SEC and national champions."

Defensive end Jarvis Moss and cornerback Reggie Nelson confirmed they will leave early for the NFL. Linebacker Brandon Siler said he would decide today.

Among the recruits visiting this weekend is defensive end Everson Griffen, a USC oral commitment ranked by scouting services as one of the best athletes in the nation.

SENIOR BOWL: Leak, Dallas Baker, Earl Everett and Ray McDonald will play in the game, Jan. 27 in Mobile. Ala.

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3389. 

[Last modified January 14, 2007, 08:02:44]