John Brantley has taken plenty of criticism the last two years, but his gift-giving ability was never a point of contention until Tuesday.
When asked how Florida’s redshirt senior quarterback rewards his offensive line for keeping him safe, Jon Halapio said Brantley gives out snacks — namely, Gummi Bears. A college student obviously doesn’t have the same budget as, say, Tom Brady, who once gave his linemen Audis; still, Brantley could step his game up. Or at least be a little more consistent.
“He’s talked about it a lot, but he’s been real busy,” Halapio said of going out to dinner with his quarterback. “He says he’s real busy.”
The right guard started laughing, clearly intending no malice against his quarterback. But Halapio and the rest of the offensive line certainly deserve some form of appreciation from Brantley. Through two games, the Gators are one of 10 teams in the nation who have not surrendered a sack.
The play of Florida’s inexperienced offensive line was one of the team’s most pressing question marks entering this season. The doubts didn’t curb the group’s confidence, apparently.
“Our goal is to not give up a sack,” Halapio said. “We’re trying to be the best offensive line this year.”
He did not clarify whether he meant best in the Southeastern Conference or best in the nation.
Either way, so far, so good.
The unit has anchored a rushing attack averaging 248.5 yards per game, second best in the SEC behind Mississippi State.
Throughout the preseason, linemen talked about the group’s chemistry, about how they were a closer unit than the one that preceded them.
Last year, the offensive line was a hodgepodge of seniors who were experts in Urban Meyer’s spread and underclassmen still feeling things out.
This year, almost everyone learned offensive coordinator Charlie Weis’ system together.
The only potential hiccup came with the arrival of Dan Wenger, a sixth-year senior who transferred during the summer.
Wenger admitted Tuesday that he was initially worried he wouldn’t fit in with his younger teammates. Those concerns were erased when he presented an idea to the group: WWE Midnight Weightlifting.
The linemen gathered at the weight room dressed as professional wrestlers. Ian Silberman was The Rock. Matt Patchan was The Undertaker. Someone else was Sting — face paint, black bat and all.
Wenger, who appeared to dress as Mick Foley, based on a photo uploaded on Twitter, said the event endeared him to the rest of the group, a group he said is as talented as any he has been a part of.
“The athletes that our line has, it’s just unbelievable,” Wenger said. “When I came down here and saw it first hand, the first thought in my mind was, ‘These guys are freaks — but, in a good way.’”
Now, if only their quarterback would show them more love, or more food, not that they care.
“O-line is one of those positions,” center Jonotthan Harrison said. “All work, no credit.”
Contact Tyler Jett at tjett@alligator.org.
Florida center Jonotthan Harrison and the Gators offensive line has yet to allow a sack through two games this season — only one of 10 teams in the nation to do so.
