Florida quarterback John Brantley's injured ankle has improved so much that he'll be able to go back under center for Saturday night's game against arch-rival Florida State.
“John Brantley is playing well and his ankle has continued to improve,” Florida coach Will Muschamp said on his radio show Tuesday night. “He will be under center this week for the first time since the Alabama game. That will help us get more of our downhill running game going.”
Brantley has not taken a snap under center since his return from a high ankle sprain that forced him to miss the LSU and Auburn games. He's been exclusively in the shotgun in the past four games.
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis said one reason Brantley's health has improved is the fact he did not take any substantial hits in the victory over Furman last Saturday.
“Because John got hit so much less, he's the healthiest he's been by far since the Alabama game,” Weis said. “It's not even close, because he barely got touched.”
Brantley said his ankle is close to 100 percent.
“I'm feeling a lot better, just feeling better each week,” Brantley said. "It's been different. I felt pretty healthy for a long time now, a couple of weeks. I just keep seeing progress, getting better.''
Weis said protecting Brantley allowed the Gators to execute their down-field passing game in the 54-32 victory. Brantley threw for 329 yards and four touchdowns.
“The less you get hit, the more time you have, the more you can throw the ball down the field,” Weis said. “I think for a change that was something that we were very productive in in the last game.”
