Gator QB Brantley injured during mat drills
John Brantley's quest to become Florida's No. 2 quarterback could be on hold for the early part of spring practice.
John Brantley, a redshirt freshman from Ocala, dislocated his left, non-throwing shoulder during mat drills earlier this week and his status for the start of spring practice (March 19) is uncertain, said his father, John Brantley III.
"Hopefully, he won't miss too much," John Brantley III said. "They just don't know. They say he could miss the entire spring or a week or two or maybe even no time at all. We'll just have to wait and see."
John Brantley III said his son's shoulder popped out of place and then popped back in, creating a bone chip in the socket.
"The good news is it's not his right shoulder," he said. "Hopefully, this is just a little bump in the road."
Brantley is expected to compete with sophomore Cameron Newton for the backup role behind Heisman winner Tim Tebow. UF coach Urban Meyer has said the plan is to play two quarterbacks this season, much like the Gators did in 2006 when Tim Tebow had a package of plays playing in relief of Chris Leak.
Brantley has matured physically since he's been a UF, his father said.
"He's gotten bigger and stronger," John Brantley Sr. said. "He's almost 6-4 now and he's at about 210 pounds. He's really been coming on."
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