Just days after his biggest NFL shakeup, Turlock High and Fresno State standout Tom Brandstater is back on his feet.

On Monday, he was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts and will challenge three other quarterbacks to become four-time league MVP Peyton Manning's backup.

On June 4, Brandstater was cut by the Denver Broncos — the team that chose him in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft — to, essentially, create more practice repetitions for the remaining quarterbacks, according to coach Josh McDaniels.

Brandstater, who's 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, will battle with a bevy of quarterbacks for the backup spot. That list includes second-year players Curtis Painter and Drew Willy and rookie Tim Hiller.

The No. 2 position was held down for several years by Jim Sorgi before he was replaced by Painter in 2009. Being Manning's backup is perhaps one of the most educational jobs in the league, considering the future Hall of Fame QB hasn't missed a start in 12 seasons. However, Painter stepped in during the Colts' regular season finale against the New York Jets, a move that was designed to give Manning rest before the playoffs.

Despite starting one preseason game last season, Brandstater has yet to play in the regular season.

To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.