Gators standouts recognized for involvement in long-standing rivalry
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The City of Jacksonville has announced that former University of Florida standouts Ciatrick Fason and Kiewan Ratliff will be inducted to the 2021 Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Friday, Oct. 29, as part of the Florida-Georgia weekend.
Fason was an elusive back for the Gators offense during his career from 2002-2004. An All-American honorable mention and AP first-team All-SEC selection his junior year, he played in 37-consecutive games, every game of his career. Fason ran for 1,783 yards, averaging six yards per carry and 14 rushing touchdowns. He caught 42 passes for 368 yards, 8.8 yard per catch and five touchdowns. Fason had seven-career 100-yard rushing games and three 200-yard all-purpose games in his career. He became the first Gator to lead the SEC in rushing since 1993 and became the sixth different Gator running back to top the SEC charts. Averaging 6.4 yards per touch his final two seasons, the top average in the SEC during that span, his 210 rushing yards against Kentucky in 2004 sits as the fourth-most in a game in program history.
A multi-dimensional player, Ratliff made an impact on offense, defense and special teams during his career with Florida from 2000-2003. Named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American in 2003, Ratliff played in 49 games with the Gators, including 27 starts. He finished his career with 133 total tackles (106 solo)-seven of those behind the line-12 interceptions, two sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 17 pass breakups and 860 punt return yards. He also scored six touchdowns: three interception returns, two fumble returns and one receiving to become the only Division I player to catch a touchdown pass and return an interception on a score in 2002. His 860 punt return yards rank second in school history, while his 12 career interceptions are the sixth most by a Gator.
The duo will join Georgia’s Thomas Davis and Jon Stinchcomb as inductees to the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame.
“The Florida-Georgia game is one of Jacksonville’s longest running traditions, and one of the most storied rivalries in college football,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “Every year, the Hall of Fame Luncheon allows us the opportunity to recognize some of the most talented student-athletes and coaches and highlight the tremendous impact and strong connection this game has to our city.”
Created in 1995, the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame honors and recognizes the memorable players, coaches, and administrators involved in the long-standing rivalry. Over the 25-year history of the Hall of Fame there have been over 100 people inducted including legendary Gators Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow and Fred Taylor, as well as Bulldog legends Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker, David Pollack and Knowshon Moreno. For information, please visit FLGAjax.com.
Hall of Fame Luncheon tickets are on sale through the City of Jacksonville Sports & Entertainment Office. Please visit https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__2021flgahalloffame.eventbrite.com&d=DwIFAg&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=d_EyQnep8N7d_FfF47ZTrs_8ZDE3JMNWqT-R90nGQ6Q&s=7JYc7j69Zms79mb6HhNMN8hJFX7DVfsXVJjf0dtA0LQ&e= . Contact Chandler Fussell at 904-255-5418 or CFussell@coj.net<mailto:CFussell@coj.net> for more information.
The City of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events each year making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit events.coj.net.
