5 Days to Gator Football: Jack Youngblood

Herbert Jackson Youngblood played defensive end for Ray Graves and Doug Dickey from 1968 to 1970 after playing linebacker in high school. Mr. Youngblood arrived in Gainesville at 195 pounds, but continued to lift weights to get up to 245 pounds. Despite being somewhat undersized, he was deceptively strong at shedding blocks. When he was not playing defensive end, he served as the team's kicker. His career long of 42 yards was the game winner in his first game, against Air Force. In his sophomore year, he was a key contributor in the Gators' 9-1-1 team that upset Tennessee in the Gator Bowl, Ray Graves' last game as head coach. In 1969, his 5 sacks against Florida State gained national attention, and led him on his charge to 14 total sacks (school record) and 66 tackles. Note: the NCAA did not keep official tackle and sack statistics until 1974. In 1970, Mr. Youngblood recorded 58 tackles and 10 sacks to finish his career with 29 QB sacks (2nd in Gator history, not officially recorded). Jack was voted as a Consensus All American, first team All SEC, Outland Trophy finalist, Fergie Ferguson Award winner, and SEC lineman of the year. His game-saving stop and forced fumble of the Georgia running back on the goal line sealed the victory over the Dawgs, and gained him a spot in the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame years later. He was the 20th overall pick for the LA Rams in the 1971 NFL Draft. Mr. Youngblood is a member of the Gator Ring of Honor, the University of Florida Athletic Association Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame.

One of the toughest players of all time (played on a broken leg for three plus games including the Pro Bowl, a game where players make up some excuse NOT TO PLAY).

Damn I can't wait till Saturday!!