Gators countdown top players with Lawrence Wright at No. 3
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 8:03 AM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
The Gainesville Sun continues its countdown of the top 30 players from the 1996 Florida Gators national championship football team, highlighting Lawrence Wright at No. 3. Wright, a 6-foot-2, 209-pound safety, anchored the Florida defense, earning the Thorpe Award in 1996. He recorded 83 tackles and one fumble recovery during the season, contributing to Florida's strong defensive performance. The countdown celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Gators' first national title, which they secured with a 52-20 victory over Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. The series will feature more players leading up to the anniversary of the championship victory.
- •Lawrence Wright is ranked No. 3 in the countdown.
- •Wright was a key defensive player in 1996.
- •He received the Thorpe Award as the top defensive back.
- •Florida won its first national title in 1996 with a Sugar Bowl victory.
- •The countdown honors the anniversary of the 1996 championship team.
- 8:03 AMYahoo Sports — Florida football Top 30 players countdown from 1996 | No. 1 Danny Wuerffel
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Florida football Top 30 players countdown from 1996 | No. 3 Lawrence Wright
"The Gainesville Sun is counting down the top 30 players from the 1996 Florida Gators national championship football team. Here's No. 1.
"The Gainesville Sun is counting down the top 30 players from the 1996 Florida Gators national championship football team. Here's No. 3.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 8:03 AMFlorida football Top 30 players countdown from 1996 | No. 1 Danny Wuerffel
The Gainesville Sun is counting down the top 30 players from the 1996 Florida Gators national championship football team. Here's No. 1.
- Yahoo SportsAug 15, 2026, 8:00 AMFlorida football Top 30 players countdown from 1996 | No. 3 Lawrence Wright
The Gainesville Sun is counting down the top 30 players from the 1996 Florida Gators national championship football team. Here's No. 3.
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