Friday, February 4, 2011

Source: Gators to add all-America Dwyer QB Jacoby Brissett

Florida will have a quarterback battle this summer.

While senior John Brantley is the likely starter, the the team will add a second freshman quarterback to compete with Jeff Driskel. Dwyer QB Jacoby Brissett, an all-America selection, has informed the Gators he will sign with them and make his decision public tonight, a source said.

Brissett had narrowed his finalists to Miami, Florida, Wisconsin and Washington. He will boost the Gators’ recruiting class, which was rated in the top 25 nationally prior to adding him.

It is unknown if Brissett has actually faxed his letter of intent to Florida, which is necessary to finalize his decision.

A University of Florida football spokesperson did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Dwyer coach Jack Daniels also did not return a message.

By choosing Florida, he will join three of his former teammates. Florida rising sophomores SS Matt Elam, TE Gerald Christian and SL Robert Clark played with Brissett at Dwyer three years ago.

As a senior, Brissett completed 63.5 percent of his passes and threw for 2,473 yards. He had 32 touchdown passes against one interception. He also rushed 63 times for 368 yards and seven touchdowns.

He is 6-4, 225 and rated the No. 4 prospect in The Palm Beach Post’s coverage area.

Gators coach Will Muschamp said Wednesday the team was light at quarterback. He is considering position changes for Trey Burton and Jordan Reed, both of whom played quarterback last year, and back-up Tyler Murphy is a candidate to move, too.

Driskel already is enrolled at Florida and will have an advantage over Brissett by participating in spring practices.

Florida signed 18 players on national signing day, but Muschamp said there were “some other possibilities.”

Over the past two years, Brissett repeatedly said he wanted to play football and basketball in college, so this could also be a big get for Billy Donovan.