Touchdown Tommy Durrance played running back for Ray Graves' and Doug Dickey's Florida Gators from 1969 to 1971. Although he was very much undersized as a tailback, Tommy was a key member of the "Super Sophs" of 1969, which included John Reaves and Carlos Alvarez. His sophomore year he scored 18 TDs and 100 points, which is still tied for #1 in Gator history for scoring in a season. He caught a 46-yard TD pass that was pivotal in the upset of #7 Houston as the Gators debuted a new aerial attack offense. Tommy was injured badly in a rough game against the Miami Hurricanes, but he elected to go back in bleeding profusely from his mouth. He ran the longest touchdown of his career, 67 yards, while breaking half a dozen tackles. The Gators went 9-1-1 culminating in Ray Graves' 14-13 Gator Bowl victory over Doug Dickey's #11 Tennessee. Touchdown Tommy was named team captain and first-team All SEC in 1971. His 18 rushing TDs in 1969 are not only #1 in Gator history for a season, but also #9 in Gator history for a career! He is the #5 Gator in terms of rushing attempts per touchdown. Touchdown Tommy was named to the University of Florida Athletic Association as a Gator Great.
You can see how Touchdown Tommy compares to the all-time Gator great running backs here.
You can see how Touchdown Tommy compares to the all-time Gator great running backs here.
