87 Days Until Kickoff: The Best Florida Gators to Wear No. 87

As the countdown to kickoff continues, each passing day is another opportunity to reflect on the storied history of the Florida Gators football program. Today, we land on 87 days until the Swamp comes alive once more, and that brings us to a number that has carried significance throughout Gator lore: No. 87. While it might not carry the same universal recognition as numbers like 1, 7, or 15 in Gainesville, the number 87 has quietly been worn by players who exemplify grit, growth, and Gator greatness.

From pass-catching threats to under-the-radar contributors who made their impact in the trenches or special teams, the legacy of No. 87 in Florida football history runs deeper than many might expect. In this comprehensive look, we honor the players who donned this jersey and left their mark on the program — particularly Willie Jackson Sr., a pioneering talent who changed the course of Florida football forever.

Willie Jackson Sr. – The Trailblazer

When you talk about the most influential players to ever wear No. 87 for the Florida Gators, one name rises above the rest — Willie Jackson Sr.

In 1970, Jackson became the first African American scholarship football player at the University of Florida. His arrival marked a transformational moment in the history of Gators football and SEC athletics at large. Jackson came from the small town of Hastings, Florida, and had offers from other major programs, but he chose to make history in Gainesville.

Though he initially faced resistance and the reality of being a trailblazer in a racially tense environment, Jackson let his play do the talking. On the field, he was a talented wide receiver with great hands and a sharp football IQ. He quickly established himself as one of the Gators’ top receiving options under head coach Doug Dickey.

In 1972, Jackson recorded 41 receptions for 744 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the team in all three categories. That season, he earned first-team All-SEC honors, becoming not just a symbol of progress, but a bona fide star in the Southeastern Conference.

But Jackson’s legacy goes far beyond stats. His courage to break barriers laid the groundwork for generations of African American players at Florida. Players like Emmitt Smith, Fred Taylor, Reggie Nelson, and countless others owe part of their opportunity to Willie Jackson Sr.

In recognition of his impact, Jackson was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. His jersey number, 87, holds an honored place in Florida football history because of him.

Willie Jackson Jr. – Carrying the Torch

While technically not a member of the 87 club himself (he wore No. 22), it would be remiss not to mention Willie Jackson Jr., son of Willie Sr., who continued the family’s Gator legacy in the 1990s. As a wide receiver during the early Steve Spurrier era, Jackson Jr. was one of the first stars in the “Fun ‘n’ Gun” offense, hauling in 162 passes for 2,172 yards and 24 touchdowns over his career.

Though the son wore a different number, the Jackson name and its roots in No. 87 remain one of the foundational stories in the evolution of Florida football.

Mark Campbell – The Quiet Force at Tight End

Another name that resonates with the number 87 is Mark Campbell, who played tight end for the Gators in the mid-1990s, during the height of the Spurrier era.

Campbell wasn’t the flashiest player in a pass-heavy system, but his contributions were key to balancing the explosive offensive scheme. As a blocking tight end, Campbell helped protect quarterbacks like Danny Wuerffel while also springing big gains for running backs like Fred Taylor and Elijah Williams.

While his statistical contributions were modest — he recorded 12 receptions for 116 yards and 1 touchdown in 1995 — Campbell’s real value was as an enforcer on the edge and in short-yardage situations. He was a physical, intelligent player who understood his role and executed it with consistency and toughness.

Campbell would go on to enjoy a nine-year NFL career, primarily with the Cleveland Browns and Washington, a testament to his reliability and skill set. His professional longevity underscores the talent and work ethic he developed during his time at Florida.

Tate Casey – The Clutch Contributor

Fans of Urban Meyer’s early years at Florida will remember Tate Casey, a 6-foot-6 tight end who wore No. 87 and made several key plays in the Gators’ resurgence in the mid-2000s.

Casey arrived in Gainesville as part of the 2004 recruiting class, standing out for his frame and pass-catching ability. He made an immediate impact as a freshman under Ron Zook, catching 22 passes for 276 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2004 — a freshman tight end record at the time.

Casey’s most iconic moment came in 2006, during the Gators’ run to a national title. In a pivotal early-season game against LSU, Casey caught a “jump pass” touchdown from Tim Tebow — one of the most famous trick plays in Florida history. The play helped Florida build momentum that led them to a victory over the Tigers and, eventually, to a spot in the BCS Championship Game.

Though injuries limited his production later in his career, Casey’s ability to make the most of his opportunities — and his role in a championship season — earns him a memorable place among the Gators to wear No. 87.

Riley Cooper – Before the Switch

While Riley Cooper is best remembered wearing No. 11 during his star-studded career from 2006 to 2009, he began his career wearing No. 87 as a freshman in 2006. Cooper was part of the same recruiting class as Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin, and though he redshirted that championship season, he was a promising wide receiver and special teams contributor.

Cooper would eventually switch to No. 11 and become a key piece of Florida’s 2008 national title team, catching touchdown passes from Tebow and providing deep-threat ability. His brief time in No. 87 was part of the development phase of a player who went on to a solid NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kenneth Tookes – A Reliable Role Player

Another player to don No. 87 in the early 2000s was Kenneth Tookes, a wide receiver from Jacksonville who played under both Steve Spurrier and Ron Zook. Though he never emerged as a full-time starter, Tookes was a dependable reserve who contributed on offense and special teams.

His most productive year came in 2002, when he caught 15 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown, including a key reception in the Gators’ comeback win over Auburn. Tookes exemplified the “next man up” mentality and served as a steady presence in the locker room during a transitional era for the program.

Camrin Knight – The Modern Era Utility Man

In more recent memory, Camrin Knight wore No. 87 during the Jim McElwain era. Knight played tight end and H-back from 2015 to 2017, carving out a role as a versatile blocker and occasional receiver.

Though he never put up huge numbers — he finished his Gator career with 5 receptions for 61 yards and 1 touchdown — Knight contributed in multiple phases of the game. His ability to shift between tight end, fullback, and special teams made him a valuable depth piece in a team-first role.

Knight later transferred to Louisiana Tech, where he saw more offensive action, but his time in Gainesville was defined by unselfish play and doing the dirty work — a common theme among Gators who wore No. 87.

The Spirit of No. 87: Grit and Gratitude

What becomes clear when reviewing the players who wore No. 87 for the Gators is that the number doesn’t necessarily belong to the superstars or Heisman winners. Instead, it’s a jersey worn by trailblazers, role players, and blue-collar contributors — the kind of guys who are often overlooked in the highlight reels but are essential to building championship-caliber teams.

Whether it’s the historic courage of Willie Jackson Sr., the clutch catch by Tate Casey, or the blocking grit of Mark Campbell, No. 87 has a unique place in Florida’s football fabric. The players who wore it have shared a common theme: they embraced their role, played with heart, and contributed to the broader success of the team.

Looking Ahead

As we count down the final 87 days to kickoff, Gator fans can expect another exciting chapter in the team’s legacy. While today’s game may be dominated by flashy offenses and NIL stars, the heart of any football team still lies in players like those who wore No. 87: men who gave their all for the orange and blue.

Perhaps a future Gator will revive the number and add new highlights to its story. If history is any indication, the next No. 87 won’t need to be a headline-grabber — just a difference-maker in their own right.

Honorable Mentions

While the players above have had the most notable impacts, it’s worth mentioning others who have worn No. 87 through the years:

• Kurt Crain (1980s) – Played linebacker but briefly wore No. 87 before switching numbers.
• David Kennerly (1990s) – A developmental player during the tail end of the Spurrier era.
• Colby Wooden (2010s) – Wore 87 briefly before transferring; later starred at Auburn.

The countdown to Gators football is a celebration of tradition, legacy, and anticipation. And as we hit the 87-day mark, we take a moment to honor a number that has come to represent perseverance, progress, and pride in Gainesville.

From Willie Jackson Sr.’s groundbreaking contributions to Tate Casey’s jump-pass touchdown, No. 87 is more than just a number on a jersey — it’s a symbol of the unsung heroes who make the Florida Gators great.

Here’s to the memories made, the barriers broken, and the future stars who will carry the legacy forward.