Wow. Early 50s is waaaaaay too young.
He was a charter member of the Gator's Boo Yaa Tribe. There was rap group called the Boo Yaa tribe in California, including some big-ass Samoans. Some of our Gator defenders were fans. Allegedly, the name "Boo Yaa" comes from the sound of racking a shotgun. The defense adopted the name. If somebody got a big hit, it was called a Boo Yaa and they got to join the Tribe.
I found an article from 1990 that talked about Paulk and the Boo Yaa Tribe:
AMID UF-FSU HOOPLA, OLD FRIENDS SAY GOODBYE
Because impressive numbers demand recognition, Paulk, Myles and a few other teammates formed the "Boo-Yaa Tribe," a select club for intimidating defensive hits.
Paulk's calculations have him tied with outside linebacker Fee Bartley with three Boo-Yaas this season, although that is subject to change Saturday night.
From 90-93, Stuart Scott was a sports anchor for the local NBC affiliate (WESH). He later went on to fame at ESPN using "Booyah" as his signature catch phrase. I firmly believe he got it from the UF defense even though he claims it came from an elderly man talking about the previous night's thunder. I'm not buying that story. I think he needed a cover story so it wouldn't be connected to the rap group or a particular college team.
I agree with DG, the 1990 and 1991 defenses were simply spectacular. Loved watching SEC traditionalists trying to run on those defenses. It didn't work.
Thanks for the memories. Rest in Peace.
Alex.