Third year sophomore, John Brantley from Ocala, FL has taken most of the snaps for the No 1 ranked Florida Gators this week and could be the one directing coach Urban Meyer's offense in what looks like the toughest test of the season for the defending national champions.

With 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow still recovering from a concussion sustained last Saturday in the Kentucky game, Brantley might have to run the offense when Florida returns to the field on October 10th against the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge.

However, as much as they would like Tebow under center, the Gators are not worried.

"He's got a good grasp of the whole offense," offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said. "He really does. You're talking about a guy that's been in training now. He's been here and he knows what he's doing. He can run the whole offense."

Brantley was 27-1 as a high school starter and broke the state record for career touchdown passes with 99, topping the previous record shared by Tebow and former Florida State quarterback Xavier Lee. Brantley threw 41 touchdown passes as a junior and 41 more as a senior.

The Gators may have all the confidence in the world in their sophomore signal caller, but the fact of the matter is, it will be extremely tough for any one to make their first career start on the road, in front of a hostile crowd and in a night game at Baton Rouge.

"I think I'll be ready after these next two weeks," Brantley said. "What gives me the confidence is our coaches and the players around me. We've got so many play-makers at this school, and to go in there and see those play-makers in the huddle with you, that gives you confidence that they're going to help you out as much as you need it."

They can sugar code it all they want, but if Brantley is forced to start against the Tigers, the Gators job get a whole lot harder on October 10th.