The Florida Gators will have a healthy John Brantley when fall practice begins in August.
Brantley, a redshirt sophomore quarterback who is expected to be Tim Tebow’s backup in 2009, underwent successful ankle surgery Monday at Shands Florida Surgical Center. The procedure corrected a tendonitis problem in Brantley’s right ankle.
Brantley should be fully recovered by the start of preseason drills in August.
After redshirting the 2007 season, the former Ocala Trinity Catholic standout saw action in nine games in 2008, completing 18 of 28 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Brantley was at the helm on 22 drives, 10 of which ended with touchdowns. His first career touchdown pass came on a 38-yard pass to David Nelson in Florida’s 63-5 defeat of Kentucky last Oct. 25.
During spring practice, Brantley and Tebow both wore redshirts that signified they could not be tackled.
In the Orange and Blue Debut spring game on April 18, Brantley led the Orange squad to a 31-21 victory over the Blue team before an estimated crowd of 65,000 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The 6-3, 210-pound right-handed Brantley completed 12 of 18 passes for 214 yards for three touchdowns with one interception. He also rushed five times for 26 yards and a 15-yard touchdown. When Tebow completed his work at halftime, Brantley completed 2-of-5 passes for 51 yards for the Blue team.
Brantley and the Gators open up the 2009 season Sat., Sept. 5, at home against the Charleston Southern Bucs.