#14 Lawrence Paul "Lightning" Libertore, Jr. of Canton, Ohio and Miami, Florida played quarterback and defensive back for Ray Graves' Florida Gators from 1960 to 1962. Even at 135 pounds, Little Larry Libertore was a fearless runner, solid passer (especially for his size) and master of the option offense. In two years as the starting QB, he amassed 1,511 yards of total offense, which is sixth in Gator history even 60 years later. In 1960 he led the school to its then-record nine wins with a squad of players consistently outmatched by All SEC and All American competition and was himself named Second-team All-SEC. In his junior year, his final year at QB before switching to DB, he was named the MVP of the 1960 Gator Bowl (Florida Gators 13, Baylor Bears 12). Even that Gator Bowl, the Gators were a longshot to keep even with the pro-style, aerial attack of the #12 Baylor Bears that set many longstanding offensive records against this Gator team. Only a few months earlier, the crafty play by Libertore sealed an 18-17 win over top-five ranked Georgia Tech that came on an option play for the two-point conversion victory instead of the tie. Larry finished his career 46/122, 715 yards and 4 TD passing, 258 attempts, 777 yards and 3 TD rushing, 22 attempts for 181 yards in punt returns, and 1 interception.
Larry graduated with a bachelor of science degree in physical education in 1963, moved to Lakeland and received his real estate license, served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1970 to 1974, and later served as Polk County Commissioner from 1984 to 1992. He was named to the University of Florida Athletic Association Hall of Fame as a Gator Great in 2005. In 2017, he passed away at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife Marla, and their three children: Lisa, Christy, and Larry III.
Larry graduated with a bachelor of science degree in physical education in 1963, moved to Lakeland and received his real estate license, served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1970 to 1974, and later served as Polk County Commissioner from 1984 to 1992. He was named to the University of Florida Athletic Association Hall of Fame as a Gator Great in 2005. In 2017, he passed away at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife Marla, and their three children: Lisa, Christy, and Larry III.
