This college football season just won’t be the same following the passing of ABC/ESPN broadcaster John Saunders. Despite the sad loss, ESPN was forced to name a replacement and has tabbed Stan Verrett to be the man to step up and fill the void.
ESPN released a statement announcing the news Thursday. In the statement, Verrett pointed out the impact Saunders had on his own career:
“John Saunders was a mentor and friend who helped me navigate my career at ESPN and was always ready with a kind word and timely advice,” said Verrett. “His easy manner and comfortable style welcomed college football fans every week for years on ESPN and ABC. He was a fantastic host.
“There’s a tremendous legacy there, and I am both humbled and excited to have the opportunity to add to it.”
Saunders had held a place on ABC’s college football set going all the way back to 1992. Earlier this month, Saunders suddenly died at age 61.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
