This season, all eyes are on sophomore quarterback, Tim Tebow. After a season which he alternated at the position with Chris Leak, the job is indisputably his. Only thing is, the Gators rushing touchdown leader from 2006 now has to show the college football world he can pass.
Last season, when the 6’3” 234 pounder lined up behind center there was a fat chance you would see him drop back (he only threw 33 passes in 123 snaps), but this year you can expect eight in the box to be the norm.
Coach Urban Myers said of his team’s greenness for this upcoming season, “Some of these kids woke up on third but didn’t hit the triple. Next thing they know their shaking the Presidents hand and getting fitted for rings.” It makes sense, the returning national champions lose 16 starters and have a huge hole to fill on the defensive side; nine to be exact. But after nabbing the nation’s top recruiting class of 2007, some players might be able to step in and make an impact.
Tebow should be protected up front as four of the five offensive linemen return. But the question still remains, can this boy throw? – After a sore shoulder hindered him from throwing the home run in spring practice, he was forced to concentrate on his touch. Myers thought that it was a blessing in disguise. After all, when Tebow first entered Gator country there weren’t too many receivers able to handle the velocity of his rocket arm.
So what does a true sophomore do when he wakes up every morning with a championship ring jammed on his finger? He accomplished last year what most people haven’t even dreamed of in a lifetime, and he has three years left. Well guess what Tim, now you have to do it on your own.
It may not be in the cards for back to back national title seasons in 2007, but think about it; if these kids just woke up on third, sooner or later they’re going to want to steal home. And Tebow, he wants his own ring, one that he can put his full name on — Starting Quarterback for the Florida Gators.
Filed under: College Football, Steve Sherwood
