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He comes from one of Florida's royal familes of football players.
His father, John Brantley III, played for the Gators from 1975-1979 and was the starting quarterback in 1978. His uncle Scot, starred at linebacker for Florida from 1976-1979 and played in the N.F.L. for eight seasons.
Now it's John Brantley IV's turn.
As if following in the footsteps of family success wasn't enough, Brantley now must step up in 2010 and take over as signal caller for one of college football's more telegenic programs: the Florida Gators.
And there's one more teensy little detail.
Brantley will lead the Gators in a post-Tim Tebow world.
Tebow, arguably one of college football's greatest stars, graduated in 2009, leaving it up to Brantley to do what only a player of his lineage might be able to do.
Follow a legend.
And you know how that sometimes goes.
He certainly has the ability, however.
Possessed with all the physical tools, the 6'3", 193-pound Brantley is a strong-armed thrower who will stand in pretty stark contrast to the hard-charging, but technique- challenged Tebow.
Florida's offense in 2010 may look very different than Gator fans have become accostumed to over the past four years.
While head coach Urban Meyer's spread offense will still be deployed, the offense may feel more like a passing-oriented unit.
But don't be fooled.
The Gators return a horde of running backs and a host of top-flight recruits at the skill positions to make Brantley's transition all the more seemingly seem less.
For those SEC teams who think that this year's Florida Gators will be ripe for the picking, don't be surprised if the crown formerly worn by Tim Tebow fits John Brantley just fine.
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