In Depth Analysis: Tom Brandstater

A recent discussion, and request, has lead me to talk about Tom Brandstater.  The discussion began in a post created by AlejandroN (UDFA's).  As you know, competition will be brought in for Chad Henne.  However, I don't see a UDFA competing for the starting job.

The Earl, stated that the Phins should look at Scott Tolzien over Pat Devlin.  I agreed with, The Earl and we got a lot of scrutiny.  I commented:

I'm not saying I want him to start
I want him as our 2nd or 3rd QB.

Tolzien is one of the smartest QB’s out there. I read he prepares like a coach, and I would love to have him next to Henne breaking down film

This led to FinFanFromCA stating that Brandstater is also a smart QB.  From there it became a heated discussion, and texascowpunk, suggested someone do a post on Tom Brandstater, an unknown to many.

EARLY LIFE/HIGHSCHOOL

I guess we should start where it all began.

Tom Brandstater was born and raised in Turlock, California.  He began playing football at the age of eight with the Turlock Vikings Youth Football program, a youth football program, where he lists Mike Hibden and Mike Huber as his most influential youth coaches. Several other WAC teammates and opponents, notably Colin Kaepernick and fellow Fresno State Bulldog Anthony Harding also played for the youth football program. He was the starting quarterback from the age of eight, but also played other positions.

Brandstater attended Turlock High School. He achieved several distinctions as a high school player, including being named to the First-team All District team by the Modesto Bee as a defensive back, and guiding Turlock to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I South championship against Stockton Lincoln High. As a high school quarterback, he directed an offense that was primaliry focused on rushing and did not display his true passing ability, though he still threw for over 1,000 yards in his last season in high school. He was the top quarterback in Fresno State's Summer Football Camp in 2003.

COLLEGE

2003- Under coach Hill's patented 6-year quarterback plan, Brandstater sat out his freshman year on a grayshirt.

2004- redshirted

2005- Brandstater became the backup quarterback to Paul Pinegar in 2005, and was occasionally brought in by Coach Hill in late quarters of games where the Bulldogs had a blowout lead. Appeared in 8 games, throwing 13 passes and completing 6 for 49 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. 

2006- Brandstater appeared in 11 games starting 10 of them. He ended the year with a 146-for-268 completion for 1,490 yards and 13 TDs with 14 INTs and a league worse 106.74 rating. Although it was a very challenging season for both Brandstater and the Bulldogs, the California native received consolation with an Academic All-WAC team selection in addition to being named as an honor student at the Kiwanis Torch of Excellence Dinner.

2007- Brandstater entered spring as the lone experienced quarterback.  Brandstater ended his junior season completing 211-of-337 passes for 2,654 yards and 15 touchdowns with a 140.48 QB rating. He was also named the GoBulldogs.com Athlete of the Week during his efforts in the victory over K-State and the Toyota/GoBulldogs.com Student-Athlete of the Week after leading the Bulldogs over the Yellow Jackets in postseason.

2008-  Brandstater had been listed as a darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate, and was rated number 6 out of 129 quarterbacks going into 2008.  Played in 13 games, went 221-371 for 2664 yards and 18 TD's (12 INT's).

NFL DRAFT

Acccording to mockingthedraft.com, they had Brandstater ranked the 5th best QB, in the 2009 NFL Draft. Mockingthedraft also produced a nice scouting report on Brandstater, giving him a round 4 grade. 

According to many sorces, Brandstater had a terrible outing at the NFL Combine, making his draft stock plummet.
(Brandstater combine).

On draft day, 7 quarterbacks were taken ahead of Brandstater. In order: Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeeman, Pat White, Stephen McGee, Rhett Bomar, and Nate Davis.  Overall, 12 quarterbacks were taken in the draft.  Brandstater was selected with the 1st pick in the 6th round. The quarterbacks drafted after Brandstater were: Mike Teel, Keith Null, Curtis Painter, and Julian Edelman. (Brandstater draft profile).

After being drafted, Mile High Report, did an excellent piece on Brandstater.  The post compared Brandstater to Tom Brady.  When you have a moment, I suggest you read it.  It is a must read. (The Tale of Tom Brandstater).

NFL CAREER

After being drafted, Brandstater served as Kyle Orton's backup in 2009.  Brandstater did not appear in any games.

In 2010, the Denver Broncos drafted Tim Tebow and traded for Brady Quinn.  Not wanting to keep 4 quarterbacks, the Broncos waived Brandstarter. He would be picked up by the Indianapolis Colts.

Brandstater was competing for the 2nd quarterback spot, behind Peyton Manning.  Although, Brandstater played better than Curtis Painter, the Colts stashed Brandstater onto their practice squad.  A few weeks later, Brandstater was released.

After the injuries to Chad Pennington and Chad Henne, the Dolphins signed Brandstater to their practice squad.  The Dolphins also signed Patrick Ramsey that same week.  After knowing Henne was healthy for the rest of the season,  the Phins released Ramsey and opted to keep 2 active QB's: Henne and Thigpen.  Brandstater remained on the practice squad.

After an unsuccesful season, Brandstater was signed to a future contract.  He looks to battle for the 2nd or 3rd quarterback spot.

CONCLUSION

After researching about Mr. Brandstater, I believe he can be a very succesful backup quarterback.  I believe he can step in as an emergency stater whenever needed.  He already has chemistry with Brandon Marshall. 

I would rather have Brandstater over Tolzien now.  Brandstater is also a smart quarterback, and I would love to have him breaking down film with the quarterbacks.

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For the people that requested this, I hope it's to your liking.  I thank your for reading this and hope to get alot of feedback. GO PHINS!!!
-KDog92