In a contest ruled by the lowest numbers, Gary Bryant is an anomaly.
Bryant advanced to the finals of the Fastest Gator on Campus 40-yard dash competition Thursday, and he will run against one of three UF football players before the spring game Saturday.
What separates him from the other 14 students who made the cut is this: he's almost twice their age.
The 37-year-old, who works as an accountant for the engineering firm CH2M Hill, would make an improbable winner and an even more unlikely walk-on to the team, a feat that would surely draw movie offers.
"I think Omar Epps could play me," he said jokingly. "It just feels good to still be able to compete. I guess I'm doing a good job staying in shape."
The finals will be shown live on ESPN, with three heats consisting of five students against one player. The fastest student from the three races will receive Gators apparel and a sideline pass to UF's matchup with Hawaii on Aug. 30.
Despite earlier statements, the winner won't receive a scholarship, although anyone who can top the likes of receiver Deonte Thompson and running back Chris Rainey could get a look at a walk-on spot with the team.
"You guys have our coaches a little bit nervous," said Jon Clark, an administrative assistant with the team.
Among those keeping the coaching staff on edge is sophomore Jeff Mesadieu, who turned in the top times Thursday with a 4.48, 4.5 and 4.51. Runners advanced based on the average of three sprints.
Mesadieu ran track at Miami Norland High, and he has his sights set on Rainey.
"I heard he beat Percy Harvin a few times, so I want to see it with my own eyes," he said.
Freshman Gabe Lo Fria wasn't far behind Mesadieu, and he ran the fastest time of the first round with a 4.47 a week ago.
Lo Fria hopes to match up against Thompson on Saturday to get a little revenge. He played receiver for Boca Raton Pope John Paul II High, and his team was stomped by Thompson's Glades Central 62-0 in 2006.
"Yeah, he burned us," LaFria said.
