The University of Florida has produced countless numbers of superlative athletes over the years, particularly the storied football program. The Gators have a litany of former players who stood out both at the amateur and professional levels, with two achieving immortality in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Among the many who have proudly worn the Orange and Blue in Gainesville is former linebacker and defensive end [autotag]Jevon Kearse[/autotag], who played in the Swamp from 1995 to 1998. His collegiate career reached a pinnacle in his junior season, leading the team with 7.5 sacks while also notching a career-high 54 tackles en route to an SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award.
His efforts convinced the Tennessee Titans to select him with the 16th overall pick of the 1999 NFL draft. He lasted 11 seasons in the pro ranks, also spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gators Wire had a chance to talk with Kearse courtesy of the Johnsonville Charity Cornhole Challenge, in which he competed with fellow former Gator Titus O’Neil ahead of the South Carolina game in Week 7. Take a look at what he had to say about his time at Florida, his NFL opportunity, as well as his cornhole skills.