31 Days to Gator Football: Joe Haden

Joseph Walter Haden III played cornerback for Urban Meyer's Florida Gators from 2007 to 2009. Joe arrived from Gainesville as Maryland's all-time leading quarterback in career passing yards and touchdown passes and as the #3 athlete in the country. He was the first true freshman to start at cornerback on opening day. His 63 tackles were 3rd in the SEC and good enough to be named Freshman All American, and All SEC freshman. His sophomore year he had 77 tackles, including 10 in the BCS Championship Game victory over Oklahoma. In his final and junior year of 2009, he only had 57 tackles, but he also had 4 interceptions and 3 QB sacks on the way to Consensus All American, All SEC, and National Defensive Player of the Year honors. He was also co-MVP of the Gators along with teammate Tim Tebow. He entered the 2010 NFL Draft and was the 7th overall pick (Cleveland Browns).

Career Defense: 8 Int, 166 Yds, 0 TD (24th in SEC)
Career Passes Defended: 42 (19th in NCAA, 3rd in SEC)
Career Kick Returns: 1 Ret, 18 Yds, 18.0 Avg, 0 TD

Haden was always one of my favourites. There was just something about how he played - full-out, but without the bluster and bragging so many good players have.

I think he should have been a pro bowler in his rookie year not Revis Island (who didn't record INT that season).

Joe Haden and Ahmad Black. I loved watching both of them.