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WR corps may rate with Gator greats

The three-man tandem is helping Florida establish the nation's best passing offense.

By DEBI JONES

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 7, 2001

GAINESVILLE -- Rex Grossman may not be the only aspect of the Florida offense being compared to its 1996 counterpart.

The receiving trio of Jabar Gaffney, Taylor Jacobs and Reche Caldwell may be one of the best under coach Steve Spurrier.

Before the Louisiana State game, Spurrier compared the group to All-Americans Jacquez Green, Reidel Anthony and Ike Hilliard. Saturday, they added 14 catches for 327 yards.

"They're right there," Spurrier said. "They're getting there. What was amazing was the ones that (Grossman) dropped in there on some pretty good coverage."

While Gaffney led the way with 164 yards on five receptions with two touchdowns, Caldwell, a former Jefferson High standout, had his third consecutive 100-yard game.

The junior had six catches for 120 yards with one touchdown.

"Rex does a great job of reading the defenses and getting us the ball out there," Caldwell said. "We were just putting it in the air today. Coach was just getting us the right plays out there."

The right plays included 464 yards passing for Grossman, a school record.

Grossman said the statistic reflected on his receivers as well.

"Rex played great, but I think it was the best we've executed," Caldwell said.

While Grossman was having a career day, so were Caldwell and Gaffney. Each added the 100th reception of his career.

In addition, Gaffney had his 10th 100-yard game in the past 17.

"They are just phenomenal players," offensive lineman Mike Pearson said. "These receivers are getting open on every play. Sometimes you have players that have that kind of talent but can't catch. These guys catch everything."

Florida went in as the No. 1 passing offense and overall offense in the country, something that likely won't change after Saturday.

"Our passing game is getting real strong right now," Gaffney said. "When we are rolling it's hard for us to be stopped."

But a rolling offense has been commonplace in Spurrier's history at Florida. Danny Wuerffel may have had Anthony, Green and Hilliard, but Grossman has Gaffney, Caldwell and Jacobs.

In 1996, the Gators were fueled by their passing offense. It may be the same in 2001.

"It's unbelievable," Grossman said. "We have good offensive lineman, great receivers and great running backs. It all adds up to a damn good offense."

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