By: Brad Shortt

The Florida Gators have some very memorable faces coming back to the sidelines for the 2009 season and a few new faces as well.  There are even some old faces that will carry a much bigger role in the 2009 season, picking up the slack for those that departed in 2008.

Stars of 2009:

QB Tim Tebow—The most accomplished quarterback in Florida history has lived up to his hype, leading the Gators to a national championship this season after winning the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore. What’s left to prove?  Why would he want to come back for his Senior Season?  Tim Tebow is looking to lead Florida to back-to-back national championships while improving his NFL draft stock.

LB Brandon Spikes—Spikes passed on potentially being drafted in the first round of the NFL draft to return for his senior season. He’ll anchor a defense that returns all 11 starters.

RB-KR Brandon James—James in one of the top return threats in college football. With four career punt returns for touchdowns, James will look to break the school record outright in his senior season.

RB-WR Jeff Demps—Demps emerged as a home-run threat in Meyer’s spread offense as a freshman, rushing for 605 yards and seven touchdowns on a whopping 7.8 yards per carry. With the departure of Percy Harvin, Demps should have the opportunity for even more big plays as a sophomore.

TE Aaron Hernandez—In his first full year as a starter, Hernandez established himself as one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the country and a potential NFL first-round draft pick. Hernandez, a junior, caught 34 passes for 381 yards and five touchdowns last season.

PK Jonathan Phillips has been granted a fifth year of eligibility. Phillips made 12-of-13 field-goal tries last season.

Top Newcomers:

WR Andre DeBose—The true freshman from outside Orlando could help fill the role vacated by underclassmen Percy Harvin’s decision to enter the NFL draft. DeBose is a speedy playmaking threat versatile enough to play both running back and receiver in Urban Meyer’s spread offense.

S Dee Finley—Enrolled at Florida in January after completing prep school at Milford (Conn.) Academy. Though Florida’s secondary returns all four starters, Finley should be able to develop a niche because of his speed and playmaking ability.

DT Gary Brown—The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Brown was the second-rated defensive tackle in the country according to Scout.com. Brown could fill an important role in Florida’s defensive tackle rotation.