AHMAD BLACK, GREAT FOOTBALL PLAYER

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

The approaching NFL draft provides Gator Gridiron a welcome opportunity to reflect on the career of a Great Gator---Safety Ahmad Black. As someone who has closely followed Gator football for over 40 years now (attended first game at Florida Field in 1962 when Tommy Shannon was starting QB) I must say that the sturdy, hard hitting ball hawk from Lakeland is one of the top players that this Gator has had the pleasure of watching.

My respect for Ahmad Black started early in his career...the 2008 opener against Hawaii ....which with 95+ degree heat and smothering humidity frequently interupted by intermittent rain showers was  a verrrry swampy day in the Swamp. Shortly after finding my seat, I noticed a #35 who was seemingly in on every play and displayed a particular knack for finding the football. I didn't know who this unknown Soph #35 was, but it was obvious he had a real nose for finding the football. As the 2008 season progressed, the undersized headhunter continued to impress until, ultimately, the Gators were playing for the  National Championship against Oklahoma and their highly acclaimed passer Sam Bradford. As we all know, the Gators prevailed and one main reason was the outstanding play of the Gator secondary, especially #35.

Ahmad continued his outstanding play over the course of the 2009 season when the Gators put together a 12-0 regular season and ultimate 13-1 record. In 2010, with a Gator team depleted by the departure of several dozen upperclassmen, including 13 who went to the NFL, Ahmad was one of the few bright spots, continueing to demonstrate his excellent play while also providing an outstanding example of leadership for his younger, less experienced teammates. Hard nosed tackler, excellent pass defender, smart, heady player who has a true gift for finding the football, all while providing great leadership with his work ethic and love for the game....that's the Gator Gridiron scouting report on Ahmad Black (And I assure it is more accurate that those of the NFL draft "experts", especially Mel Kuiper, The Moron and Todd "Suzie" McShay). Whichever NFL team is fortunate enough to draft Ahmad Black will add a Great Football Player and True Winner.