Yesterday, Gators Sports Nation finished up the left side of the offensive line, and now we take a look at the man in the middle, the Center. Most people only see the Center as the man who gives the ball to the Quarterback, but he is also relied on to take on the oncoming defensive line. For Florida, the Center position is their strongest point on the line, with an All SEC starter leading the way.

The man in the middle for the Gators is 6′6″, 312lbs Maurkice Pouncey. He has started 26 games while at Florida, and received many accolades after the 2008 season. Pouncey was named to the AP All-SEC Honorable Mention and was on the All-Sophomore team. During the 2008 season, Pouncey was named SEC Offensive Linemen of the Week after his tremendous play against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Standing next to Pouncey at Right Guard is his twin brother, Mike. The two have worked well together, and both are superb blockers for UF.

Behind Maurkice Pouncey is Junior Corey Hobbs. The 6′4″ Hobbs has appeared in 11 games for the Gators. Last season, he played in eight games, including the season opener against Hawaii. Hobbs will most likely never get a start while at Florida, since he is in the same year as Maurkice Pouncey, but if Pouncey leaves early for the NFL Draft after 2009, Hobbs may be able to finally get the center spot to himself.

I know that the offensive line is not that interesting, but they are very important to the team. As we are all Florida fans, we need to realize that we are lucky to have such a great line, unlike other teams around the SEC. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s preview of the Right Guards, as we near the end of the offense, and begin our defensive preview.