Five hundred expected to attend annual banquet of former players

GAINESVILLE - At least 500 people, including current and former players and their families, are expected to attend the annual champion's barbecue Saturday afternoon.

Coach Urban Meyer began hosting the event when he arrived three years ago, hoping to build  relationships and foster mentoring between current and former players.

Meyer said it's obvious the event has made a huge impact on the players.

"No question,'' Meyer said. "That and the captains' breakfast, when those guys come back and talk we always have a great speaker. So there's no doubt our guys appreciate that. And when we build this facility (the new $27 million addition), that's going to be devoted to, No. 1 recruiting, and No. 2 the history of Florida football. And all those great players are going to be rewarded for that.''