‘Best player in Florida history’ — Former Gators legend has surprising take on who earns the top spot

Chris Doering played with a lot of legends, but it’s one he didn’t play with that gets the honor.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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October 25, 2008; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow (15) hugs Florida Gators receiver Percy Harvin (1) after he scored a touchdown during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
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Every offseason, the conversation comes up on who the best player in the history of the Florida Gators is. For former wide receiver Chris Doering, he played with multiple top players in program history, but the best was obvious to him: wide receiver Percy Harvin.

He said as much during an appearance on The Next Round, and was emphatic in doing so.

I’m going to answer it before you, okay, Percy Harvin. Yes, Percy Harvin is the best player in Florida football history,” said Doering. “Forget the Heisman Trophy winners. Percy Harvin is the most versatile, the most explosive, the most impactful player. If he had played strictly running back, he would have rushed for over 1000 yards. He was basically unstoppable. The only things that you know, got him were migraine and some, you know, some, some issues, sometimes off the field. But this dude is the best player in the history of Florida football hands down.”

Percy Harvin named best player in Florida Gators history

It’s interesting that Doering chose to pick Harvin. There are three Heisman Trophy winners in program history: Steve Spurrier (his head coach), Danny Wuerffel (his quarterback), and Tim Tebow (his coworker). Picking Harvin is based on how impressive of a player he was for the Gators.

Despite being a wide receiver, Harvin lined up a lot at running back, essentially playing both positions. In his career, Harvin was equally impactful at both rushing and receiving in his 36 games.

  • Rushing: 194 attempts, 1,852 yards (9.5 average), 19 touchdowns
  • Receiving: 133 catches, 1,929 yards (14.5 average), 13 touchdowns

As good as Tebow was, the dynamic play of Harvin was the main reason why the Gators were among the nation’s elite during Urban Meyer’s tenure with the Gators. He was a threat to score from anywhere on the field and maximized every touch.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Harvin is a stand-up guy.

“I had a chance to meet him in his post-playing days, we were doing some flag football thing with former Gators,” Doering continued. “This guy was, ‘Hey, Chris man, can I go get you some water?’ Like, couldn’t have been a nicer, more hospitable guy. And really have enjoyed getting to know him a little bit after his playing days. But still, you look at him now, and he looks like he could go out there and give you 1000 yards receiving, even at his age.”

Harvin certainly has a case to be the best Florida Gators football player, and Doering is ready to make it.

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