SEC MEDIA DAYS : Time for Tebow
Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008
This is the first in a series of articles previewing SEC football teams.
HOOVER, Ala. - Florida Coach Urban Meyer was in New York during the Heisman Trophy ceremonies when he became just another bystander in the Tim Tebow phenomenon.
"I loved it when I was getting pushed in the back by security in Times Square,"Meyer said Wednesday at SEC football media days. "Physically, I was getting pushed in the back because they thought I was like hanging around Tim trying to get an autograph or something."
Tebow, of course, won the Heisman over former Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, and now he's back, the biggest star in the SEC commanding the big dais at media days at the Wynfrey Hotel. Tebow has become somewhat of a poster boy for the Gators, the SEC and all of college football. He's charming, well-spoken, has a model's looks, keeps his nose clean and is unafraid to use his position as a star quarterback to further his aims.
"I can take what I do in playing football... and change people's lives with it,"Tebow said. "That's why football is such a great game. That's kind of why I do the things, preaching in prisons, doing these different things, trying to take advantage of that platform that God has blessed me with."Tebow had three breaks during the spring and summer to get away from the madness of being a superstar in his home state, but he didn't spend those breaks like most college athletes. He instead went on mission trips to the Philippines, Croatia and Thailand.
He also helped in hospitals, assisting in surgeries like circumcisions.
"The reason I do it is because [the mission trips are ] more important than football to me,"Tebow said.
Of course, the chiseled lefthander, who last year became the first college player to run and pass for more than 20 touchdowns each in one season, said he understands the importance of football in the Sunshine State. He knows Florida finished 9-4 in his first season as the starting quarterback, one year after Gators won the national championship with Tebow serving as a change-of-pace reliever for Chris Leak.
"Last year, in several ways, it was very disappointing for us,"Tebow said. "Number one, losing four games. So my biggest goal this year... was becoming a better decision maker.
"What that entails is when I approach the line of scrimmage, it's recognizing defenses faster, getting us into a better play faster."
The Gators are a popular choice to win the SEC and stake a spot in the Bowl Championship Series national championship game. They are the preseason No. 1 pick by both the Athlon and Phil Steele magazines.
Surrounding Tebow with a posse of prime skill talent and leveling the performance of an up-and-down offensive line will only enhance Florida's chances.
Hybrid receiver-back Percy Harvin is still not 100 percent after undergoing heel surgery in the spring, but he's a Heisman contender if he regains full form. Sprinting sensation Chris Rainey has a chance to be the lead tailback in a group that includes Harvin and Kestahn Moore.
"This is the best we've felt at running back,"Meyer said. "This is our fourth season and it's not even comparable as far as work ethic, attitude and work level at our tailback position."
Tight ends Cornelius Ingram and Aaron Hernandez might be the best duo in the nation, and they'll have special packages available for two-tight end formations this fall.
Defensively, Florida will be talented but young up front, led by junior end Jermaine Cunningham. Linebacker Brandon Spikes is the probably the unit's best player and a leader. Sophomores Major Wright and Joe Haden are returning starters in the secondary, along with safety Wondy Pierre-Louis, who recovered the Arkansas fumble in the end zone of the 2006 SEC Championship Game.
Speaking of the Razorbacks, they're at home against Florida on Oct. 4, just another of the murderer's row lineup the Gators will have to deal with if they are to contend in the league and the nation.
Meyer breaks the issue of contending down like this: "Seven wins come from talent. You start mixing in a little discipline, up to eight or nine wins. Somehow if you can develop a little leadership on your team... that's when you start having great things happen for your program."
Tebow touted his leadership abilities as a missionary to the media. The question now is can he do the same with the loaded Florida team.
Next: Ole Miss
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