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Caldwell Atop The Receiving Mount

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By JENNA MARINA, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 18, 2007

GAINESVILLE - University of Florida wide receiver Andre Caldwell received a little extra luck before Saturday's game against Florida Atlantic.

Former Gators standout Carlos Alvarez dropped by Florida's practice Thursday while he was on his way home to Tallahassee in order to wish the senior luck on his upcoming game.

With his career-high 13 catches in the Gators' 59-20 victory against Florida Atlantic, Caldwell became Florida's all-time receptions leader with 177. His ninth catch broke Alvarez's record of 172 catches, set in 1971.

"That means a lot to me because there's a lot of great receivers that came throughout Florida history," the former Jefferson High standout said. "This isn't like no West Virginia or school like that who doesn't throw the ball. This is the University of Florida. We throw the ball up and down the field. So to be on the top of that list, that's a big achievement."

Alvarez, who attended the game solely to watch Caldwell, joined the Gators in their locker room and presented the senior with the game ball.

"I held this thing for 38 years," Alvarez said. "It's time to pass it on to another person. It's great that somebody like Bubba, who's had injuries, all kinds of things he's had to overcome that he now gets it. I'm thrilled for him."

Caldwell recorded four receptions during Florida's first drive alone, racking up 49 of his career-high 164 yards. Every time Caldwell came off the field, teammates Brandon James and Deonte Thompson gave him an updated tally.

"Every catch I counted in my head," Caldwell said. "I know what's going on. I ain't no dummy. I keep up with it."

Caldwell said he wished his ninth catch would have been a touchdown, so he could have thrown the ball into the stands. Instead, Tebow hit the wide receiver with a screen pass for 10 yards, and Caldwell modestly threw it to the official.

Florida called a timeout, and the crowd rose to its feet to give the fifth-year senior a standing ovation as highlight clips of Alvarez and Caldwell flashed on the Jumbotron while the announcer informed the 90,107 in attendance of the feat.

As soon as Caldwell broke the record, Alvarez went behind Florida's bench to shake his hand.

"I didn't want to miss this one," Alvarez said. "I wanted to see him break it."

Caldwell intends to give the game ball to his mother, Deborah, who lives in Tampa. He said he expects she will frame the ball and put it in their home's trophy room, which features accolades from both Caldwell and his older brother, Reche.

Last week against South Carolina, Caldwell passed Reche on Florida's career yards list by 1 yard with 2,089. Now that he clinched the all-time receptions record, Caldwell plans on having some fun with his older brother.

"I'm going to give him a little bit of grief probably later today when I talk to him," Caldwell said. "I got bragging rights at the house. He can't say nothing. He's just got to let it sink in."

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