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Urban Meyer’s third signing class at Florida in 2007 produced the SEC’s best crop of defensive back prospects ever, highlighted by three All-Americans who each were drafted a few years later.
Florida’s notable 2007 defensive back signings
- Ahmad Black: Future 2010 All-American, fifth-round draft pick in 2011
- Joe Haden: Future 2009 All-American, SEC Def. POTY, first-round pick in 2010
- Major Wright: 2007 Freshman All-American, third-round pick in 2010
- Moses Jenkins: Five-year player, special teams contributor
Joined later by current lockdown corner Vernon Hargreaves, four-star signee Joe Haden became the first Gators true freshman in school history to start his first college game at the position. Ahmad Black appeared in seven games as a reserve in his first year, later transitioning to strong safety.
Major Wright was a freshman All-American after posting 67 tackles, four forced fumbles and an interception. After his junior season in 2009, he decided to forgo his final year for the NFL Draft (like Haden).
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As sophomores, this class won a national championship and the ‘Big 3′ played a major role in the Gators’ win over Oklahoma. Black clinched a 24-14 victory with his seventh interception of the season while Haden and Wright combined for 19 tackles and three pass breakups against Sam Bradford’s high-powered Sooners.
Black returned two of his seven picks for touchdowns that fall.
Florida’s defense in 2008 picked off a nation-leading 26 passes and gave up just five touchdowns through the air during six wins over nationally-ranked teams including Alabama, Georgia and LSU.
Thus far, Haden has been this group’s best pro, currently the NFL’s highest-paid corner for the Cleveland Browns. After being named National Defensive Player of the Year in Gainesville as a junior, Haden made an immediate impact at the next level and quickly rose to the top of the ‘franchise corner’ wishlist.
Last May, he signed a five-year extension to remain with the Browns worth an estimated $68 million, including $45 million guaranteed.
