IT'S CAM NEWTON!!!!

Oh, My!!!

Newton to back up Tebow at QB

By JENNA MARINA, Alligator Staff Writer

Freshman Cameron Newton will play backup to starting quarterback Tim Tebow this season, Coach Urban Meyer announced Saturday morning.

Newton was in a battle with freshman John Brantley for the spot, but Meyer said Newton’s time during spring practice gave him the edge to claim the role.

Meyer said the Gators aren't planning to redshirt Brantley, but if Newton is successful, it's likely that Brantley will redshirt.

Still, Meyer insisted that Brantley will not be forgotten about, and UF already has plans in mind for the freshman's future.

"We're preparing him to be a starting quarterback at Florida," Meyer said. "We don't just say you're redshirting. I know some people might want to hear that, but he's got to be ready to play, as well. We won’t play Johnny in a mop up role."

Junior college transfer Bryan Waggener was also in contention but dropped out of the running last week. Meyer said Waggener will still be out for three to four more weeks with an injured meniscus.

FROM NEWTON'S WEBSITE:

Name: Cameron Newton Height: 6 ft 5 in Weigth: 225lb High School: Westlake High School College: Florida Gators Position: Quarterback

... ESPN have compared him to former LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell, except that Cameron Newton is a superior runner. Cameron Newton is a monster of an athlete and huge pocket passer with deceptive speed and quickness... a pocket passer with the ability to get out of trouble and make some plays with his legs when he has to. Cameron Newton shows good touch on underneath throws and the ability to change velocities and crank it up. Cameron Newton also exhibits a good zip on the deep out route and gets adequate RPMs on his downfield throws. In 2005 Cameron Newton threw for 2500 yards and 23 touchdowns with 638 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns... Cameron Newton chose Florida over 40 other schools including Oklahoma and Mississippi State. In selecting the Gators, Cameron Newton said, "I love the University of Florida. I think that it's the best place for me to develop as a quarterback and I think my talents fit that system better than any other out there."