Former Gators FB Larry Dupree, 71, passes away

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.