John Brantley's Headed To Florida (Maybe)

by Peter Bean on Dec 18, 2006 10:34 AM CST in Texas Longhorns Football

I like to think I'm pretty good at reading between the lines. Between my three years in Washington D.C. and everything else, I've got a pretty good handle on when things aren't quite what they seem.

And I'm telling you right now: don't be surprised if John Brantley heads to Florida.

I know, I know - blasphemy. GoHorns, PHF, and many others have made compelling cases for why Brantley will head to the 40 Acres. I appreciate each of those sentiments, and if Brantley does come, it'll hardly be an upset.

But the quotes we're getting from the Brantley clan are starting to change. Just a month or two ago, the talking points were all the same, "I'm solid on Texas. There's been no change. I'm excited to come to Austin." That kind of thing.

Now? Papa Brantley's singing an entirely different song:

"There's not a lot to talk about right now," said Mr. Brantley. "The only thing that's been brought up is the question about distance. I don't know how serious that is right now but when he gets back we're going to sit down and talk about it. If that's a problem we need to talk about it. We just want to make sure he's doing the right thing."

[...]

"We still feel good about everything but Johnny has brought up a little bit the distance and that's what's got everybody thinking," he said. "When he gets back, we're going to make him sit down and tell us if that's a problem. If it is, everyone needs to know.

"But I don't even think there's a situation. If there is, if it comes to a decision or a change, it will be done as soon as possible. That's just the philosophy of our family. We try to be ethical people and we're going to do what's right. If distance is a problem and Johnny decides something else, it will be done right away. I can guarantee it. We wont' let time pass because Texas has obligations to do things and Johnny has obligations. We've been by the book with this whole process and we're not going to change now."

My internal translator reads: "Johnny's about to de-commit from Texas and go to Florida. These quotes are the precursor to that. He'll be citing 'distance' as his official reason for switching."

Lest we start gnashing our teeth needlessly, let's keep things in perspective.

I could be wrong.
John. Chiles.

I'm sure Brantley's a dandy of a quarterback, but Texas' hopes do not, in any way, shape, or form, rest with his coming to Texas. We very nearly ran our non-Ohio State schedule with 2A small name Colt McCoy. We'll be fine.

Still, I'm curious: is anyone else starting to think that the Brantley commitment to Texas is headed for a switch?

Update [2006-12-20 18:48:20 by HornsFan]: It's official: Brantley decommits from Texas, is now headed to Florida. Confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

--PB--

Tweet Comment 21 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I still think it's too early

But I wouldn't discount our late season slide influencing a decision or two.

Vince Young wins football games.

by chief on Dec 18, 2006 10:39 AM CST reply actions

"Late season slide"

which direction do you think that would influence?

I think that would make him want to come here even more after watching two not-so-great QB games.

I'm with PB though, it's no sweat if he decides to go elsewhere. We still have McCoy, Harris, Chiles, and our super secret weapon, Quan Cosby.

by the other Andrew on Dec 18, 2006 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

Our QB situation looked good all year

The defense looked shaky though, and our OL won't be as good next year as it was this year. I'm just speculating though on reasons.

Vince Young wins football games.

by chief on Dec 18, 2006 11:43 AM CST up reply actions

I'm all for kids

taking their time to make a decision. It's an important choice, they should include their parents, consider alternatives and go with their heart.
Fans take this decision way to lightly and get indignant towards any recruit who slights UT, like it's our birthright to corral every blue chip in the country.

But this stringing schools along business is just crap. If you shake hands with a coach and tell everyone for months you are sticking to that commitment, then either make a clean break ASAP or don't waiver.
Texas has honored their commitment to Brantley by not recruiting other QBs (outside Chiles).
The least they can do is get off the fence of ambiguity and be straight with Mack.

My gut instinct is that this is a combination of Meyer not sold on Tebow (whispering to Brantleys), the Snead transfer and the parent wanting last-say in the matter.

But in the end, I only care that they make up their mind ASAP and don't wait until signing day. Give Mack a chance to fill the schollie with someone else.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Dec 18, 2006 10:57 AM CST reply actions

Not sold on Tebow?

I'm not sure if we were watching the same Florida games this year, but I saw a 3 year starter hungry to tear through the SEC in ol' Timmy.

I'm not sure Brantley has the position, as far as depth, that he wants in either Texas or Florida.

He and Perilous Perrilloux could always be good buds.

by nematode on Dec 18, 2006 11:30 AM CST reply actions

Could not disagree more

Is Lokey UT's best running back? When Ginn takes a direct snap and runs wild in the single wing, does that make him the BIG 10's best QB?
Does Harvin running the ball make him Florida's/SEC's best RB?

Tebow coming in and using trickeration sporadically and playing QB on mop-up does not mean he is a capable starter. It just means the other RB's aren't any good.
Look at how many times Leak turns over the ball in that spread offense -- and he is a much, much more polished passer.
Everyone focuses on the running game, because of Meyer using the option -- but it's the prolific passing game that is key (Utah, Bowling Green).
In meaningfull playing time Tebow threw 1 INT and 1 TD (4 total).
How exactly was he tearing it up?

For all we know Tebow is good for 4 turnovers a game.

I suspect the coaches aren't willing to bet the next 3 years on that unkown -- and would like Brantley as an alternative.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Dec 18, 2006 11:50 AM CST up reply actions

Continental Shift = Commitment Shift

I think it is clear that the root of Brantley's concern lies in Pangea. Ever since the continents began to drift apart, everything has been on a downhill slide...well depending on what hemisphere you are in, it may have been an uphill slide. Texas is clearly farther from Florida than when John gave Mack the commitment. The Brantley family, looking to the future, has obviously realized that if John redshirts and then plays out his full eligibility...THAT'S FIVE YEARS! Who knows how far apart the two states may be by the time Brantley's Senior Day rolls around.

This is all assuming that NASA decides in the next few minutes to admit that the North American continent is really 48 separate contingent continents and Mexico.

by Lincoln on Dec 18, 2006 11:50 AM CST reply actions

If he's leaving (reneging?)

I'm thinking less of him going to Florida and more of him headed toward South Carolina.

by mldatx on Dec 18, 2006 11:57 AM CST reply actions

I thought Spurrier

was still trying to recruit Brantley behind the scenes..I haven't heard anything about Florida.

Just Remember, No Matter What Happens, ou SUCKS.

by ouALWAYSsux on Dec 18, 2006 1:56 PM CST up reply actions

Didnt Spurrier just get a QB?

by the other Andrew on Dec 18, 2006 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

Early Signing Day

Maybe college football should be like basketball and have an early signing day. I hate to say it locks a player in early and so be it but maybe this will make them more inclined not to string teams along.

by sportsfan on Dec 18, 2006 12:51 PM CST reply actions

I second that

Starting in January 2007, just another Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Dec 18, 2006 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

Dear John,

How are you doing buddy? I've been thinking about you lately. I know we spoke last week but I wanted to take some time to write and see if you're still "hooked" on us here in Austin. I know some people may be trying to talk you out of coming here but you wouldn't diss me right? We're tight that way, right dude?

And hey, don't worry about a thing. Like I told your Daddy, you're our starting QB for the next four years. Colt and Chiles don't have your superstar arm, and you can take that to the bank!

Best friends 4 ever!!!!!
Mack Brown

Street level

by UT2001 on Dec 18, 2006 1:01 PM CST reply actions

They don't call me PHF for nothin'

I am still rock-solid in my contention that "Johnny" is still rock-solid in his commitment to Texas. And I will patiently stand by that contention until National Signing Day. If it's gonna happen, it's not going to happen on signing day, cuz JB is the anti-Perriloser. He's not going to keep Mack hanging until the last minute, so if he doesn't make an announcement shortly after the holidays, when he gets to spend lots of time at home with Mommy and Daddy, then I think we're home safe.

He ain't going to South Carolina. Spurrier got his QB, the 2nd best QB in Florida, Stephen Garcia.

He ain't going to Florida. He wants to red-shirt one year, not warm the bench for three. Tebow is a three-year starter, no matter what the haters say.

He ain't going to OU. Stoops already stole his committed QB, Keith Nichol, formerly in Michigan State Spartan Love.

Is there another big-name school closer to home that offers the same fit and facilities that Texas does? I can't find it.

Maybe my glasses have a distinct burnt-orange tint. But I ain't sweatin' it. Burnt Orange Santa brought me a new job in London as an early Xmas present this year, I'm sure he's bringing me the Gatorade Player of the Year too.

Starting in January 2007, just another Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Dec 18, 2006 3:57 PM CST reply actions

isn't texas

in the same spot Florida is, QB-wise? Colt, barring injury, is going to be the QB for 3 more years, right? I mean, it's hard for me to imagine that he'd get taken out at any point. So both teams have starting QB's that are going into their sophomore years, but Colt is even more entrenched than Tebow is.

So if Brantley's willing to go to Texas, I don't think having Tebow there is going to convince him not to go to Florida.

by billyzane on Dec 18, 2006 4:02 PM CST up reply actions

Depends

Did Mack and GD learn their lesson from pulling fan favorite and Burnt Orange Poster Boy Major Applewhite in favor of Not Ready For Prime Time Uber-Recruit Chris Simms?

I'm not convinced that they have. And I'm not convinced that they didn't tell (and are still telling) JB and Papa that they would.

Starting in January 2007, just another Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Dec 18, 2006 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

BTW

Has anyone looked at the Rivals Recruiting Rankings recently? SEC is kicking some serious ass.

Texas
The Other UT
LSU
Florida
Georgia
Auburn
South Carolina
Clemson
Ole Miss
Alabama

Starting in January 2007, just another Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Dec 18, 2006 4:01 PM CST reply actions

As a side note to this

Look at the difference in points between UT and the other UT.

Texas: 2,717
Tenn: 1,948

They are gaining ground for sure, but pretty slowly.

As for JB; PB, you knew it was coming...

I'm still holding the faith. Here's why.

Distance is the only factor that is playing a role right now. If UT and Florida were next door to each other, UT would win hands down. If distance decides to not be a factor, then UT it is. If he just can't get over the 1500 or so miles from Ocala, then he will wind up switching. I don't think playing time will be nearly as much a factor as others have eluded to. Johnny is confident, and why shouldn't he be? Dude is awesome. He could start on a few D1 programs this year. Maybe even pick up their books for the bowl game.

All in all, JB is a good, stand up kid that has questions. That's it. He's not the kid of kid that some are making him out to be. It has nothing to do with Florida being better than Texas. Texas already won that battle. It's just a matter of can he stand to be that far away from friends and family.

John, if you're reading this, let me ask you: With you being a potential star in the making, going to a division 1 school that will compete for national titles, do you really think you'll have enough time on your hands that would make a 30 mile trek or a 1500 mile trek any different? Chances are, no. You'll be spending so much time with your school and team that it won't matter much where you are in the nation. Also, think about the bond you have already developed with the players from the 2007 class for the University of Texas. You are already a legend here. We would love to confirm that. If you do decide that Florida is better for you, good luck, best of wishes, and if we meet on the field, we'll boo you. But only because we're jealous.

If it weren't for physics and law enforcement, I'd be unstoppable.

by GoHorns on Dec 18, 2006 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

So

I read on another board it's a girlfriend thaaaang.

His female companion is going to Florida.
If only John's future-self could talk some sense in to John's present-self, he'd break the sad news that HS girlfriends in college have the shelf life of bright yellow bananas.

Brantley will wake up this time next year and not even remember her name.
Take it from a wise old man....don't let it be THE reason.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Dec 18, 2006 7:34 PM CST reply actions

He needs some advice where ever he goes

Do not bring the HS girlfriend. He is going to be the big man on campus where ever he goes and he does not want to be held back by baggage.

by Wells on Dec 19, 2006 8:53 AM CST up reply actions

Didn't dad once say he wouldn't play for Meyer?

These comments definitely appear to be laying the ground work for a switch. But, didn't I read one time somewhere that the dad had a thing for Meyer and had said that his boy wouldn't ever play for him? If that is the case, could there be someone else in the mix, like maybe FSU or Miami?

by jwill on Dec 19, 2006 8:42 AM CST reply actions