Addazio says Brantley "took another step forward''
Monday, September 27, 2010 | Football, Scott Carter
Overshadowed by the six-touchdown performance of Trey Burton on Saturday was Florida starting quarterback John Brantley's best game of his career.
In his fourth career start, Brantley completed 24 of 35 passes for a career-high 248 yards. He threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Burton for UF's second score. The only blemish for Brantley was his first interception of the season, snapping a streak of 156 consecutive attempts without a pick dating to last season.
Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said Burton's emergence from the wildcat helped Brantley in the passing game.
“I just thought he did a great job,'' Addazio said. “I thought he really took another step forward.''
In his first three games, Brantley had not thrown for more than 172 yards, working more as game manager than big-play threat. However, against the Wildcats, Brantley took a few more chances downfield, including a 30-yard pass to Deonte Thompson that led to Burton's fourth touchdown of the game late in the third quarter.
Brantley also appeared more vocal on the field at times against Kentucky, a leadership trait he has worked to embrace.
“I'm starting to come out of my shell, I guess you could say,'' Brantley said. “I'm just trying to be out there and do encouragement whenever it's needed.''
