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Florida's Harvin Is 1 Of A Kind

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By MICK ELLIOTT

melliott@tampatrib.com

Published: November 27, 2008

GAINESVILLE - There is nothing secret about the Florida Gators' greatest offensive weapon.

"Everybody knows No. 1," Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "There is no question, defenses are focused on 'Where's No. 1?'"

That is because junior playmaker Percy Harvin does more than just wear No. 1 on his Gators jersey. He also is No. 1 on the team in rushing yards per carry, receiving yards and scoring.

When the Gators face Florida State on Saturday, Harvin will line up at receiver, at running back and probably take a few direct snaps at quarterback.

So, is he a receiver or a running back? "I'm whatever this team needs me to play," Harvin says. "It doesn't matter."

Truth be told, he plays the Harvin position.

"There's not many like him," Meyer said. "I heard it recruiting all the time: 'We're going to use you like Florida uses Percy.' I hear that and start laughing. Good for you. It's not as easy as it sounds."

Mr. Excitement

Harvin's knack for making things happen is proven.

He leads the team in receptions with 35, good for 595 yards - an average of 17 per catch. He has carried 55 times for 527 yards, an average of 9.5 per carry.

He has scored at least one touchdown in 13 consecutive games.

"The thing about Percy is his ball-skill level," Meyer said. "He has the ability to take a snap, take a pitch, and catch a ball 50 yards down the field. There are not too many guys that can do that."

Seen It Before

The Seminoles know first hand the challenge Harvin will pose.

Last season, Harvin scorched the Seminoles for 224 all-purpose yards. The season before, he broke a long touchdown run that helped produce a seven-point Florida win.

"He is really a factor," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. "He and Tim Tebow really make each other. They feed off each other. I don't know that there's any receiver in the country like him."

What If?

If there is a downside to the widespread role Harvin fills, it is the lack of attention-grabbing numbers that could be produced by a more single focus.

After seeing Harvin run for a career-high 167 yards against South Carolina, Coach Steve Spurrier said the speedster would be a 1,000-yard-per-season tailback for any other team in the country.

"It has crossed my mind," Harvin says. "But our main goal is winning. As long as we're doing that, I'm fine. Just when I get the ball, I'm going to make something happen."

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