The Florida Gators athletic department announced this week that former All-American cornerback Lito Sheppard has been chosen for the season-opening honorary Mr. Two Bits prior to the Florida – Idaho game.

Beginning last season, the Gators have selected a former Florida Gator icon to lead the crowd in the Mr. Two Bits call before each home game.

“That was very touching to me, a privilege,” Sheppard told Chris Harry of Gatorzone.com. “I’ve always tried to put my best foot forward for the university…For them to repay me with a token – to be an ‘SEC Legend’ – that is very much appreciated.”

Past honorary Mr. Two Bits have included Danny Wuerffel, Chris DiMarco, Chris Doering, Wes Chandler and Eric Rhett.

 Sheppard was instrumental in the Gators’ run for the 2000 SEC Championship and is regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in school history.

Mr. Two Bits was the nickname of George Edmondson Jr., who started and led the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium crowd in the iconic pre-game cheer from 1949 to 2008.