FLORIDA GATORS FOOTBALL HISTORY By: Cameron Palumbo

The Beginning University of Florida Gators football history began, in 1906, with a bang, when coach James Forsythe racked up three winning seasons. Throughout the 1910s, the Gators operated as an independent team and played a number of reputable opponents ­ including their first game against South Carolina in 1911.

Great Season The first flash of long-term Gators dominance came in the middle of the 1960s when Ray Graves boasted a team record of 70 wins. The 1966 team (led by Heisman Trophy winner, Steve Spurrier) is considered one of the best teams in Florida history.

The Swamp When the University of Florida stadium was first built in 1930, it was known as Florida Field. In 1989, it was renamed to pay tribute to a college benefactor by the name of Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. During the 1990s, the nickname of "the Swamp" was given to the stadium by former head coach, Steve Spurrier.

Great Florida QB’s The 2006 - 2007 season when the Gators won their second national championship The Gators' QB in that game was Chris Leak. Tim Tebow was the backup. Of course Tebow followed that up by winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and then leading the Gators to their 3rd National Championship in the 2008 - 2009 season.

Todays Florida Gators It has been a long time since a Florida Gators recruiting class has disappointed and this year has been no different. The 2014 class includes 24 players and talent at just about every position. From an elite-level quarterback to massive defensive linemen and a couple of playmakers at the skill positions, the Gators' coaching staff did just about everything it needed to do in order to take the next step to turning this program around. But you've heard about the names long enough, it's time to actually meet the players who have signed on the dotted line.

Work Cited www.gatorzone.com/football images.google.com