Tim Tebow, 2009/2010 NFL Draft Prospect

Quarterback 6' 3" 235 lbs. Florida Junior Strengths: power runner, athletic, strong arm, poised Weakness: Lots of carries, injuries, accuacy By John L. Clarke

There is not much to dislike about Tim Tebow.  He comes from a great background as both parents are missionaries.  He grew up with lots of foster brothers and sisters.  He was home schooled, but broke the stereotype that homeschooled kids have trouble adjusting to life outside the home.  Bottom-line, he is a good kid and a great role model…oh yeah, he can play football too.

With today’s NFL concerned with character issue, this kid is as sure a thing as they come.  As a freshman, Head Coach Urban Meyer decided not to redshirt this kid, although he had a four year starter (Chris Leak) already entrenched at quarterback.  Instead, the clever Coach decided to work Tebow into certain packages to get not only acclimated to the SEC, but to utilize his many skills and playmaking ability.  Numerous first downs and touchdowns in key situations, not to mention a National Championship ring, during his freshman year only provided a glimpse of what was too come.

In his sophomore year, now fully penned in as the starter with the graduation of Leak, Tebow exploded.  Questions concerning his play as a quarterback rather than a running back that could throw arose.  Tebow squashed those concerns as he went on to throw for almost 3,300 yards and raked up 32 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions while completing 67% of his passes.  He displayed accuracy on the run, good decision making abilities and a Brett Favre “get it down at all costs” mentality.  He does not have a “rocket” arm, but can make all the required deep throws.

The other aspect of Tebow’s game, his running ability, puts him in an elite category of a “dual threat” QB.  Although most “dual threats” are known for their speed (i.e. Pat White of West Virginia) Tebow has more of a full backs mentality as he runs behind his pads and breaks tackles with ease.  He has very good speed, but not necessarily a burner.  Last year, he compiled 895 yards and 23 touchdowns.  Most NCAA running backs aspire for those kinds of numbers.  In his short 2 year career, he has rushed for 1364 yards on 299 carries (4.6 per carry), most of which were goal line situations in which a few yards were needed. 

Although NFL teams will be wary of the mileage this kid has, it is also note worthy that despite having a deep bruise on his shoulder and a broken (non-throwing) hand, he continued to play at high level…that durability is something that should ease NFL teams.  Couple that with his numbers (both running and throwing) and the complexity of Coach Meyer’s offense, it makes him the most NFL ready QB.  Coach Meyer also plans on limiting Tebow by implementing a 2 QB rotation to give him a breather.  Tebow should be the first player selected when he does enter the draft.  He has 2 years left, but with a Heisman Trophy and a National Championship ring, he has little left to accomplish.  Look for him to avoid the injury bug and be the 1^st pick chosen in the 2009 NFL Draft

Listed as an All-American by: Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp Football Foundation, Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, CBS Sports, College Football News, Rivals.com, and Scout.com. Also winner of the James E. Sullivan Award, awarded to the Nation’s top amateur athlete  and the Roy F. Kramer SEC Male Athlete of the Year.