Gillislee secures spot in UF history
NEW ORLEANS — During the three years that he was not carrying the football for the Gators, tailback Mike Gillislee continued to hold on to one of his biggest goals he set for himself when he arrived at Florida. He wanted to one day have his picture hanging up in the running backs meeting room next to UF’s 1,000-yard rushers.
Well, following a rather remarkable senior season, Gillislee’s picture will be going up very soon next to Emmitt Smith, Ciatrick Fason and others.
“That’s a great feeling,” he said. “That’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I wanted to be remembered, and getting 1,000 yards, I think I’ll be remembered. Hopefully, when I come back next season, I’ll walk in the running backs room and see it. It would be a great feeling.”
All those rushing yards this season mean a lot. But his teammates say they also will remember the soft-spoken Gillislee for being the ultimate team player and a very humble guy.
“I love it,” said senior guard James Wilson, when asked how much he likes blocking for a player like Gillislee. “Every time he makes a play, he comes in and says,’It’s just because of you guys (on the offensive line).’ We appreciate that.”
Said offensive guard Jon Halapio: “He’s someone we highly respect in the locker room and we want to see him succeed.”
Wilson was asked if he’s ever been around a more humble athlete.
“Besides Tebow, probably not,” he said.
Gillislee said he’s looking forward to giving everything he has in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday night. From there, he will move on to the Senior Bowl in January.
“It’s a great feeling,” Gillislee said of the recent invitation to the Senior Bowl. “It wasn’t something I expected, but I accepted the invitation and it’s an exciting feeling. It’s going to give me a great opportunity to perform for the scouts and the coaches that are there.”
Here’s a prediction: those NFL scouts and coaches are going to love what they see in Gillislee, the ultimate team guy.
Robbie Andreu has been The Sun’s college football beat writer since 1993. He covered every game of the Steve Spurrier coaching era. The only game he’s missed since he has been in Gainesville is the 2006 Florida State game in Tallahassee. He happily stayed home for that one because of the imminent birth of his second child. Before coming to The Sun in March of 1993, Andreu worked for the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel for 10 years, covering a variety of sports, including the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Hurricanes, professional golf and baseball (playoffs and World Series). He also worked in Clearwater and Bradenton. He graduated from UF in 1977.
I remember someone from Deland in the Forum saying to watch for Gillislee, he’s a good one. Good call! Thanks, Mike! Now run over them Cardinals!
And for roll tide, Bama better not end the SEC National Championship winning streak agains an over-hyped, overrated Notre Dame team.
by Brr-bon Phil
Was anybody at the 1992 Homecoming game against Louisville? Browning Nagle had gone to the NFL and was replaced by Jeff Brohm, and they had a running back names Ralph Dawkins, who gave us a good game. Ray Buchanan was their defensive star. We won, 31 – 17, and I remember because my 7-year old stepson loved Dawkins more the Shane Matthews, Jack and Free Willie Jackson, Harrison Houston, etc. I think we win 31 – 7 this time.
by Brr-bon Phil
SEC Championships: Alabama 23 – Florida 8
Undefeated seasons: Alabama 13 – Florida 1 (in 1911)
Ten win seasons: Alabama 32 – Florida 12
Head to Head: Alabama 23- Florida 14
Last 3 games: Alabama 101 – Florida 29
“I don’t always drink tears, but when I do, I prefer Tim Tebow tears”
by Roll Tide
It’s good to see roll tide can copy and paste with them best of them. I just wonder if he stays inside the lines when he colors his books.
by Brr-bon Phil