Brantley encouraged by offense's strong camp; DB coach Robinson's impact
Friday, August 19, 2011 | Football, Cross Country, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The first game of his senior season is still two weeks away, but if the first two weeks of fall camp are any indication, Gators quarterback John Brantley expects Florida's offense to perform well in the season opener Sept. 3 against Florida Atlantic.
“It's been a good camp so far,'' Brantley said. “We've made a lot of progress.''
Much has been made of Brantley's disappointing 2010 season as he took over as the starter after Tim Tebow's departure. Much has been written in the past month about Brantley's renewed confidence.
He appears more relaxed and more confident whether it's on the practice field, in team meetings or in interviews with the media.
Senior receiver Deonte Thompson said Friday there is good reason.
“He's having a great camp,'' Thompson said. “He's throwing the ball very well.''
Brantley has also taken over as one of the team's more vocal leaders, a tough adjustment for him a season ago in the departure of the fiery and inspirational Tebow.
Several teammates have talked about Brantley's increased leadership since he began working with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis in the spring. Brantley confirmed Friday that he has tried to become a more vocal presence with this year's team.
“I don't really get into people's faces, but if something is going on that needs to be addressed, I won't do it in front of the entire team, but I'll definitely say something to them on the side,'' Brantley said.
It's a new side of Brantley that many of his teammates hadn't seen.
Defensive tackle Jaye Howard even called Heisman a potential Heisman candidate earlier this week.
Redshirt freshman receiver Quinton Dunbar said he's not ready to label Brantley a Heisman candidate, but is nonetheless encouraged by the new-and-improved Brantley.
“He's a work in progress,'' Dunbar said. “He's getting better each and every day. He's making his reads, making great throws. He's more vocal. He's more into it.''
(Photo: Gators defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson).
DUNBAR'S TEACHER: Speaking of Dunbar, he has emerged as potentially the Gators' most dangerous deep threat. Dunbar said he was recently timed running the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds and that he has been working at the outside receiver's slot all through camp.
After not playing a year ago, Dunbar climbed the depth chart with a strong spring. He credits fifth-year senior Thompson in helping him boost his chances to making an impact this season.
“Since I got on campus, Deonte grabbed me under his wing. That's the only person I really hang around,'' Dunbar said. “We do everything together. That's like my older brother. He teaches me route running, adjusting to the ball, just different things as a receiver.''
ROBINSON'S IMPACT: When Gators coach Will Muschamp assembled his staff, he hired an experience group of coaches with 52 years of NFL coaching and playing experience.
The youngest coach Muschamp hired is defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson, who played at Auburn and was a grad assistant there when Muschamp was the defensive coordinator.
Gators defensive back Jaylen Watkins said the 29-year-old Robinson, who played in the same defense Muschamp is running at Florida, has helped the defensive backs adjust to the new schemes.
“When you've got a guy who played on the defense, he knows the little kinks in it or where the spots might be weak,'' Watkins said. “It's good to have somebody who actually played in it and can relate to you.''
QUOTE OF NOTE: “Everyday there will be something freaky happen. Freaky plays on offense and freaky plays on defense. Everybody is going hard right now … just all kinds of plays being made out there.'' – Thompson on big plays in camp.
