Ciatrick Fason will serve as ceremonial Mr. Two Bits when the Florida Gators open the 2026 football season against Florida Atlantic on Saturday night at Spurrier/Florida Field.
Fason is the head football coach at Neptune Beach Fletcher High and a former University of Florida running back. He played three seasons for Ron Zook and earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors after rushing for a league-high 1,267 yards in 2004.
Fason’s connection with Florida head coach Jon Sumrall dates to Sept. 25, 2004, when Sumrall played middle linebacker for Kentucky against the Gators. Fason rushed 31 times for a career-high 210 yards and one touchdown in Florida’s 20-3 victory, while Sumrall recorded a team-high eight tackles. Fason became the fifth running back in Florida program history to rush for more than 200 yards in a game.
Fason connected with Sumrall before opener
Last winter, Florida linebackers coach Bam Hardmon and Sumrall stopped to see Fason while traveling to the Jacksonville airport. Fason said Sumrall wanted to say hello despite having limited time.
“They didn’t have a lot of time, but Coach Sumrall just wanted to say hello. It just showed what kind of person he is. I think he’s an amazing guy.”
Fason also praised Sumrall’s approach as Florida prepares for the season. “I think we got the right guy. I’m excited. Everybody is.”
Fason praised Jadan Baugh
Fason, who is also known by the nickname C4, pointed to Florida running back Jadan Baugh as another reason for his optimism. Baugh rushed for 1,170 yards last season and ran for 266 yards and two touchdowns against Florida State on Nov. 29, 2025.
Baugh’s performance against Florida State was the fifth 200-yard rushing game in Florida program history and the first since Fason’s 200-yard game against Kentucky. “I fell in love with that guy. Run that Baugh!” Fason said.
Fason played two years in the NFL and completed his college degree online. He has been the head football coach at Neptune Beach Fletcher High for six seasons and teaches leadership and history classes. He will perform the Mr. Two Bits tradition before Florida’s opener against Florida Atlantic.
Source: Original report