Former Gators FB Larry Dupree, 71, passes away

By Adam Silverstein
June 16, 2014

Former Florida Gators fullback Larry Dupree, one of the best players in program history and a member of the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame, passed away from a heart attack on Sunday at the age of 71.

The sixth player in Florida football history to be named an All-American, Dupree earned the honor as the lone team captain in 1964, the same year he became the third rusher in Southeastern Conference history to receive three career first-team All-SEC nods.

He was also revered by his teammates that same season as the recipient of the Fergie Ferguson Award, given by the Gators annually to honor a senior “who displays outstanding leadership, character and courage.”

According to The Gainesville Sun, Dupree never missed a game in his collegiate career.


“He was a very quiet guy,” former Gators head coach Steve Spurrier told The Sun’s Pat Dooley when looking back on his former teammate in Dupree. “He was really fast and tough. He was a good, good tailback. It makes you count your blessings when some of your old teammates pass away.”

Dupree led Florida in rushing from 1962-64, totaling 1,725 yards and 14 touchdowns despite playing his senior campaign with a knee injury. He was also first on the Gators in total offense in 1962, racking up 604 yards from scrimmage.

His 31 carries for 138 yards against Florida State in 1963 set a school record for most rushes by a single player. It took 19 years for Neal Anderson to break the record though seven total Florida running backs have now met or eclipsed the mark.

Photo Credit: Florida Times-Union

3 Comments

  1. Dave Massey says:

    Another sad day for the Gators as we lose another of the all time Gator Greats. He played just before I started following the Gators but I heard a lot about him. RIP brother Gator and condolences to his friends and family.

  2. Kaleb Wolfe says:

    Im from baker county and I’m & my family are at a loss for words I grew up knowing this man very well because his 2nd son Kellen Dupree who he named after Kellen Winslow the great tightend and I were best friends we played on the same little league teams and high school teams I can’t count how many we’d stay the night over eachother houses we had Mr. Larry would always tell me about the old days I was all ears he’d always have my utmost attention he was just as great a person off the field as he was a halfback for the Gators, I found out off of this website as soon as I heard my phone tell I had my mail my thought and prayers are with his whole family Miss Robin his wife, Abby his only daughter, Shannon Dupree his 1st son much older than me and of course for Kellen and his youngest son Logan also one of my close friends, he was a truly genuine kind hearted man. he may be gone but he will never be forgotten…rest in peace Mr. Larry

  3. Paul Dyal says:

    Larry was the hero of just about every boy who played football for the Baker County High School Wildcats in the 60’s, including myself. I remember seeing him play for BCHS as well as the Gators. Not only a role model as a football player, but a mentor also. He hired me the summer before my senior year to help in building his house. Even though I was just a helper, he treated me the same as he did the skilled builders. I am still apprecative of that opportunity. I will never forget how he kept his hands on his hips as he lined up in the huddle and ran the ball with such power and toughness. Go Wildcats and Go Gators! He was the best.

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