When John Brantley and Deonte Thompson first met, the future seemed incredibly bright.
Standing in The Swamp on a recruiting trip during Florida’s 2006 season, Brantley — a Texas commit with the long, flowing brown locks he has since trimmed — and Thompson discussed their eventual decision to go to UF. It was the beginning of an enduring friendship.
But for as close as they have become off the field, the connection never materialized in games.
The No. 3 pro-style quarterback and No. 8 wide receiver recruit in the country, according to Rivals.com, were supposed to be college football’s next great pass-catching combination in the mold of Brady Quinn to Jeff Samardzija at Notre Dame or Troy Smith to Ted Ginn at Ohio State — duos that departed just before Brantley and Thompson’s freshman year.
But, in the four years since, Brantley’s career has been marred by time on the bench, initial struggles and injuries, while Thompson has become known more for his drops than his catches.
“Sometimes it doesn’t pan out,” Brantley said. “There’s no real good answer for that. It’s hard to say.”
Said Thompson: “We made the best of what we can do and it was pretty good. It was fun.”
Saturday the senior duo will take the field at The Swamp for the last time as Florida (6-5, 3-5 Southeastern Conference) faces off against Florida State (7-4, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) at 7 p.m.
In 2010, Brantley’s first year as the starter, Thompson led UF with 570 yards on 38 catches, the lowest totals by Florida’s leading receiver since 1989. What stood out more than his receptions were his drops, as Thompson seemed to continually struggle with wide-open passes in critical situations.
This year he has taken a step backward, recording just 19 catches for 237 yards and one touchdown.
Brantley’s career has followed a similarly disappointing arc, as he struggled through 2010 and has been hampered by injuries for most of 2011.
“Everything ain’t play out our way,” Thompson said. “A couple different offenses, different coaches and stuff. Happens that way sometimes.”
Despite Thompson’s shortcomings, coach Will Muschamp sees reason to believe football might not be in his rearview mirror just yet.
As his role in the offense has decreased, Thompson has become a bigger part of Florida’s special teams, contributing to the coverage and punt-block units.
“I wasn’t a good special teams guy, but I took it upon myself to get on some and try to help the team win,” Thompson said.
Coupled with his speed, physicality and athleticism, his experience on special teams could earn him consideration during April’s NFL Draft.
“I think he’s really helped himself as far as those things are concerned,” Muschamp said. “He’s doing all the right things.”
Regardless of where their football paths finally end, neither Brantley nor Thompson expressed second thoughts over deciding to come to Florida.
“No regrets at all,” Thompson said. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Contact Greg Luca at gluca@alligator.org.
