Florida Gators to debut new Nike uniform

GAINESVILLE — When Florida hosts Florida State today, the Gators will say farewell to their seniors and welcome a new uniform.

The Gators are among the 11 teams chosen to wear the new Nike-created, experimental Pro Combat uniforms. Florida State wore its version last week.

Nike says the uniforms are 37 percent lighter than traditional ones and are designed to absorb moisture better. Also, it says, the pants offer more protective padding in the hips and tailbone.

Nike unveiled the UF uniform last week: blue jersey, blue pants with a white stripe made of lightweight mesh down the side, and an old-fashioned white helmet with an orange and blue "F" on the side. The look is capped off by white cleats and green alligator gloves with the UF logo.

After last Saturday's game against Florida International, most Gator players said they hadn't seen the uniforms, and most said they didn't mind the change.

"There's a part of you that leans toward tradition," quarterback Tim Tebow said. "But on the other hand, it's a chance to create something new and exciting."

Antonya English, Times staff writer