2010 Orange & Blue Game Recap: All My Quarterbacks

The 2010 Orange & Blue Game is just a way to get a taste of what will happen in the fall. But we did see plenty of UF's current quarterback and a glimpse of the future.

John Brantley performed exactly the way you wanted him to perform; 15-19, 201 yards and two touchdowns. His passes had plenty of zip and Brantley was able to thread the needle. A few passes were high (saved by a healthy Carl Moore, who had a nice day), but he didn't expose any of his guys. Brantley's problem was a makeshift offensive line without center Mike Pouncey. DT Jaye Howard was in the backfield almost as much as Mr. April, Mike Gillislee. The running back from DeLand was the only RB to get significant touches and impressed with his clean cuts, making a case for joining Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey for the three-headed monster running game.

Brantley was contrasted by backup Trey Burton, who basically ran Tebow's running plays, including a 77 yarder. Burton was 12-18 for 120 yards, INT and TD, plus 123 yards on 10 carries and two more TDs. Burton is about the size of Brantley, but has the ability and nerves to punch through the hole. He had to scramble a few times, but a vast majority of his runs were designed. Remember, that was how Tebow worked as a freshman. Burton hit Omarius Hines a few times, who needs to play just for the fact that he has the legs of a racehorse.

Jordan Reed, who I think made a case for the 3rd QB spot, was used as a Wildcat and was 3-5 passing, with a pick and TD. Reed could be the ultimate hybrid; a Hernandez-sized TE, who can start in the backfield and throw. Reed is more of an athlete who can throw, as his deep balls were uneven. (The play calls at certain points were like a little kid playing PS3. Bombs followed by 2TE I-formation.)

On defense, the first team had Jelani Jenkins at MLB and has some work to do. But it was without Will Hill, Ahmad Black and Janoris Jenkins, who all spent part of the game signing autographs for kids. Matt Elam had some nice tackles from safety, Jon Bostic was good, and Brendan Beal played with an aggressiveness not normally seen in spring games. It is hard to make an accurate assessment of the defense though because of all the great recruits not yet in town.

Overall, it was a good day. No one was hurt and we got to see Chris Leak, Joe Haden, The Major Wright and Earl Everett on the sidelines. Between now and September 4, the team they saw today can change a lot, but it is in good hands with Brantley and Burton seems a capable backup.