Florida Gators: All-Decade Team (2000-2009)

(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

The past decade has been nothing short of a roller coaster of emotions for Gator Nation.

An emotional farewell from legendary head ball coach, Steve Spurrier, ended a 12-year era of unprecedented success. The Gator faithful had learned to expect greatness under the reign of Spurrier and were soon to be slapped in the face with a little dose of reality.

Enter Ron Zook.

Zook was doomed for failure from day one. He was an unpopular selection with Gator fans and Spurrier had left him with very little from which to build his program. This was a recipe for disaster. Zook gave it the "old college try" for three years, but was eventually swallowed alive by Gator Nation after three consecutive sub 9-win seasons.

Just when Gator Nation had lost all faith, along came a savior.

Enter Urban Meyer.

Urban Meyer was hired in 2005 and it took him only two short seasons to turnaround the defunct program and bring the Gators back to National Championship glory.

A year later, a Heisman was born.

The following season, another National Championship.

As we close in on the end of this decade, it's apparent that Florida has now reached the peak on that coaster ride of emotions.

While at the top, let us take a moment to reflect back on the building blocks of the past decade that allowed Gator Nation to reach this pinnacle of greatness.

Without further ado, I'm pleased to introduce your Florida Gators All-Decade Team...

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