Former UF standouts Chris Rainey, left, and Percy Harvin attended Saturday's Orange & Blue Game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
Former Gators Added Special Touch to Orange & Blue Game
Sunday, April 15, 2018 | Football
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A large group of ex-Gators turned out Saturday to show support for the program under first-year head coach Dan Mullen.
By: Ethan Hughes, FloridaGators.com correspondent
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – When Gators fans piled into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the annual Orange and Blue Game, they were hoping to see glimpses into a bright future under UF head coach Dan Mullen.
They were not disappointed.
In the first half, the offenses produced 52 points and 495 yards. Young players such as sophomore receiver Kadarius Toney, freshman running back Iverson Clement and freshman quarterback Emory Jones generated 'oohs' and 'ahs' from the crowd. Redshirt junior running back Jordan Scarlett, returning from a season-long suspension in 2017, looked like his old self, rushing for 57 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. The top two contenders for the quarterback job, redshirt sophomores Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask, combined for two touchdown passes and no turnovers.
However, this Orange and Blue Game was as much about the past as it was the future. More than 150 former UF players attended the game. Football alumni greeted the team in front of the stadium for Gator Walk.
Two former Gators even got in on the action. Gator Great defensive back Lawrence Wright (1993-1996) made an athletic, diving grab on a Trask pass to score a 48-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Moments later, former Gators receiver Travis McGriff (1995-1998) caught a 60-yard touchdown from Franks.
The players were as surprised as everyone else to see Wright and McGriff running wide open down the sidelines.
"We [were] kind of wondering what was going on, but once we figured it out, it was kind of special," Toney said.
According to Mullen, former Gators quarterback Doug Johnson (1996-1999) was supposed to get in on the action but missed out due to a miscommunication.
"It was supposed to be a trick play," Mullen said. "Throw it to Doug, and Doug was supposed to throw it to [McGriff]. Doug flew back from D.C. and didn't get the touchdown pass, so I felt really bad about the Doug situation."
Other than this one blemish, it was an exciting and enjoyable day for the Gator icons.
"It's a great feeling being back," receiver Louis Murphy (2005-2008) said. "Words can't even explain it. It's just surreal. That's what Mullen was about – family. To have that back, it feels great."
Tight end Tate Casey (2004-2008), commonly remembered for catching Tim Tebow's first jump pass against LSU in 2006, says Mullen's energy, passion for the program and understanding of the program's expectations entice former players to come back.
"I think it's the open-arm mentality," Casey said. "The willingness to have guys back around. He wants these guys back around talking about the program and what it means to have that Gator mentality and championship mindset."
The former players weren't just invited to have a good time and reminisce, although they did. They were brought back for a purpose – to instill what Mullen refers to as the "Gator Standard" in the current squad.
"They've been here," Gators junior defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson said. "They've done it. All these championships on the walls – they set the standard, so we have to step up and bring another one here."
Added Scarlett: "Those guys always come to talk to us after practice and [teach] us about the 'Gator Standard' and what we have to do, so getting those guys back involved will bring some juice to our program. Those guys are going to show us how things went back in the day, and we can reiterate those things."
Former Gators linebacker Brandon Siler was one of many ex-Gators to return for the Orange & Blue Game on Saturday. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
Casey had a college career the current Gators are trying to replicate. Casey experienced the disappointment of the Ron Zook era and the unbridled joy of two national championships during Mullen's tenure as Gators offensive coordinator. What does the 'Gator Standard' mean to Casey?
"It's a privilege to be here," Casey said. "You've got to put in the work and the effort that's expected. Give everything you've got day in and day out, every play and do your job."
Murphy says welcoming back former players and involving them in events will benefit Mullen and his staff in recruiting.
"If you have a kid, and they go to college and return home, you want them to be loyal," Murphy said. "With Coach Mullen, it's all love."
Mullen also says the involvement of former players was designed to be a treat for older fans to share with younger ones.
"There'll be a guy sitting out there saying, 'hey, I watched Doug throw touchdown passes to Travis when I was young,' and now [younger fans] got to see a little bit of it and pass on family traditions that way and just enjoy what it is to be a part of the Gator Nation," Mullen said.
Everybody in the stadium knew they were getting a preview of the future, but nobody could have imagined they would also receive flashbacks to the greatest moments in Gators lore. If Mullen's plan is successful, Gators fans won't have to look to the past for iconic moments and players much longer.
