Florida's Heater has been fire for defensive backs

Editor's note: This is the fourth of a 10-part summer series rating the top D-I college football coaches in the country. From position coaches to head coach, Dennis Dodd and you, the community, will compile an All-Star team of the nation's top 10 coaches. Next up: Defensive line. Vote now!

Chuck Heater, Florida

Ten schools, 32 years, two national championships, one backup tight end.

They have all played into a long, accomplished career for Florida's cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator. Florida is Heater's 10th school since becoming a coach in 1976. In the 32 seasons since then, he has worked for six national coaches of the year.

However, he might not have hit the pinnacle of his career until 2006. Remember that crazy December day when Florida won the SEC title game and Southern California was upset by UCLA? The Gators didn't know for another day that they had officially clinched a spot in the BCS title game.

But on the floor of the Rose Bowl that day was one Adam Heater connecting the football dots. Born in Columbus, Ohio (supposedly during his dad's stop at Ohio State in the '80s), UCLA's backup tight end was reveling in his team's role in getting his father's team to the national championship game.

"I told him, we'll take care of business if they take care of business," Adam said that day. "It's a great day for the Heaters."

And Ohio State and Florida went on to play for the national championship.

It has been a great career for Chuck Heater. Having joined Urban Meyer on a staff for the fourth time, Heater has been a right-hand man for the Florida coach.

Oklahoma's Bobby Jack Wright runs away with the community vote. (Provided to CBSSports.com)

"He's one of the best teachers," Meyer said. "I used to just sit in his meetings and watch him coach."

Twenty of Heater's 32 seasons have been spent coaching the secondary. In his three seasons at Florida, the Gators have intercepted 48 passes, leading the SEC in 2005 and 2006. Three of the defensive backs he has coached became first-round draft choices.

Don't fret about the Gators slipping in SEC pass defense last season. Heater is doing something about it, and has it covered as recruiting coordinator. Florida's past three recruiting classes have been ranked in the top five.

Five others to consider:

Lou Anarumo, Purdue: Current Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard remains the highest drafted Purdue defensive player (second round 2006) since Fred Strickland in 1988. Terrell Vinson's five interceptions last season were the most for the Boilers since 2001.

Larry Slade, Tennessee: Everything Slade touches seems to turn to ... a pass break-up or interception. Heading into his 10th season in Knoxville, Slade continues to produce top-notch defensive backs. Jason Allen was a first-round draft choice of the Dolphins in 2006.

Rick Smith, East Carolina: The Pirates have intercepted 48 passes during Smith's three seasons coaching DBs. The 17 interceptions last year were the program's most since 1999. All-Conference USA safety Van Eskridge led the Pirates in tackles (104) last season.

Mark Stoops, Arizona: Mike and Bob's brother at times in his career has been considered the pre-eminent secondary coach in the country. While Mark is the Wildcats' defensive coordinator, his position responsibility is secondary. His latest creation was Thorpe Award winner and All-American corner Antoine Cason. While at Miami, he helped develop first-round picks Antrel Rolle and Sean Taylor.

Bobby Jack Wright, Oklahoma: Since Wright became secondary coach in 2005, OU has finished second, first and first in Big 12 pass efficiency defense. Reggie Smith, a two-time All-Big 12 defensive back, was a third-round choice of the 49ers.