Gators get QB pledge for 2010 class

Florida has found its quarterback of the future.

He just won’t be in uniform for a couple years.

Venice, Fla., quarterback Trey Burton verbally committed to the Gators Thursday night after receiving an offer from UF on Wednesday morning, Burton’s high school coach John Peacock confirmed.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound junior-to-be is the second commitment the Gators have received for the 2010 class this year. Fleming Island, Fla., offensive lineman Ian Silberman verbally committed just before UF’s Friday Night Lights camp.

“It’s awesome,” Burton said of his commitment. “I’ve always wanted to be a Gator – ever since I was six years old. It’s pretty much just a dream come true.

“(UF’s coaches) were real happy for me. They’ve been with me for most parts of my (football) life. They knew I always wanted to be a Gator ever since I first started high school. They’re real proud of me and what I’ve accomplished so far.”

Burton impressed UF’s coaches many times this summer as he camped in Gainesville in June for UF’s quarterback camp and was one of the more polished passers at FNL.

Peacock was the one who delivered the news of the offer to Burton after speaking with UF head coach Urban Meyer and offensive coordinator Dan Mullen Monday morning. While he knew of UF’s interest in Burton, he was surprised that the offer came so soon.

“They said they felt like Trey was their guy for the future and they wanted to make a commitment to him and they felt that he was the future of their program,” he said. “I knew they were recruiting him and I know they really liked him and I knew they were evaluating him. I thought they were going to wait a little longer (to offer him) because they said this is the highest-profile position and they didn’t want any character things to come up ... the kid has unbelievable character. I don’t think anyone has any concern for him.”

Of note is that Burton’s sophomore year was his first at quarterback. He had been a running back but jumped at the opportunity to be the starting signal caller a year ago.

Burton didn’t disappoint as he finished with 1,318 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for 708 yards on 137 carries with nine touchdowns.