2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For

In the large realm of big time college football, there are many great players, teams, and coaches to speak of. This Preview is not focusing on all great players, as I will only write about the " X Factors" that are under the radar or young players who will bring loads of talent, production and to some, a surprise to their respective team. The 25 players mentioned are athletes who will have an impact each and every Saturday come fall. Here is my list of the top 25 "X factors", and players to watch for in the 2011 season. 

#25 -John Brantley/ Quarterback/ Florida Gators/ Senior

Brantley's first three years on campus at the University of Florida has been at best inconsistent. He is a traditional pocket passer who was the #4 overall Recruit in 2008, and successor to Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. That alone is enough to bring inconsistency to the quarterback position for Florida. Attempting to replicate what Tebow did in Gainesville is near impossible; to the locals, the man is a god. First year Head Coach Will Muschamp is taking over for another legend, former Head Coach Urban Meyer, who won 2 national championships in a 5 year span tallying a 103-24 record throughout his career at Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida. Despite the loss of Meyer, the Gators hired a great recruiter and a winner with Muschamp, who hired former Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis as Offensive Coordinator. The Gators got Muschamp away from University of Texas for reasons like John Brantley. Weis has a tremendous track record of grooming young QB's who can sling the skin. Most notably with former Michigan Wolverine quarterback  Tom Brady in New England, and former Irish quarterback Brady Quinn. The Gators have eliminated the spread offense that Meyer ran so successfully,  and implemented a Pro style offense that will make Brantley's attributes at quarterback stand out excessively this upcoming season. Regardless of the Gator's record this season,  Brantley will show improvement and lead Florida to more wins in their '11 campaign.

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of palmbeachpost.com