Collgess

Dual Dimensions One pure passer, one strong runner

In the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of using more than one quarterback, the Gators don't want to be part of the subject. And don't mistake this for the quarterback controversies that used to plague the Gators.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published October 28, 2006

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Brian Cassella] Chris Leak, the starter for four years, is helping prepare his successor.

Whatever you do, don't call Florida's dual-threat quarterback scheme a "two-quarterback system."

In the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of using more than one quarterback, the Gators don't want to be part of the subject. And don't mistake this for the quarterback controversies that used to plague the Gators.

Florida's use of senior Chris Leak and freshman Tim Tebow has not only been highly effective so far this season, but amicable.

"It's not a two-quarterback system," offensive coordinator Dan Mullen said. "We have one quarterback and then we have a package of plays for somebody else that we put in there (Tebow). Lots of teams do a lot of that stuff, maybe with other players. We'll play teams and you'll see all of a sudden, hey, they have a receiver lined up at quarterback. We're just putting another quarterback in to actually do our little separate package of plays. So I think that's why it works for us because it's not a two quarterback system, it's one quarterback and a package that another guy comes in and runs."

Semantics? Maybe. But the merger of veteran and rookie is working. It may be as close to the perfect scenario as the Gators could get: a chance for Leak to complete his legacy as Tebow prepares to become UF's future.

"I think Chris and Tim complement each other well," coach Urban Meyer said. "We want to be difficult to defend and using them as we are now is part of that. The intent is to move the ball and to be very difficult to defend."

Leak is the low-key, drop-back passer and steady, calming force in the huddle. Though he has worked to become more vocal on the field, he remains a passive personality. Tebow is the fiery one who loves to run and pumps up the crowd heading to the huddle. And he's the one who, at 6 feet 3 and 230 pounds, runs over opposing players like a linebacker.

"Tim gives you an athletic guy with direct quarterback runs to run the ball, but he can still throw it," Mullen said. "A lot of teams will put a guy in at quarterback to go do something like that, but if he can't throw it you don't have to defend the pass. Tim can do both and that's what makes it tough."

In seven games, Tebow is only 10-of-14 passing (152 yards), but has rushed for 246 yards on 44 attempts (second on the team), and leads the team with four rushing touchdowns. There have been times when everyone in the stadium knew Tebow was being inserted to run - but he wasn't stopped.

Georgia coach Mark Richt believes he has a pretty good idea.

"One, they are scheming it up good," Richt said. "No. 2, when your quarterback is a runner, then your running back becomes a blocker, you gain one more blocker. No. 3, he's a very physical runner. He's got good speed, he's got very good power and he's awfully fresh coming off the bench, too. So he's a very special cat right now. He's going to be very difficult to defend."

When Leak arrived four years ago, he started four games into the season and never really had anyone to learn from. He's trying to make things different for Tebow.

"I know how it is out there when the game's moving fast early in your career," Leak said. "I try to give my advice anytime he comes on the sideline. He's doing fine."

In six games this season, Tebow has had 10 drives on which he hasn't split time; Florida has scored touchdowns on two of those. Of 19 drives he has shared with Leak, UF has nine TDs; Tebow has been on the field for six.

Often, Leak begins a series, Tebow finishes, particularly on goal-line plays.

Meyer said for the Gators to be successful against Georgia today, they'll need to use Tebow more, and more effectively than in a loss to Auburn.

"I'm just trying to do the best I can in practice, work as hard as I can just to be ready in case they need me," Tebow said.

It's that humble nature and a serious work ethic that have endeared Tebow to teammates. And why there hasn't been much controversy using both players.

"Tebow earned our respect when he started," senior receiver Jemalle Cornelius said. "The way he approached workouts, he was real humble, but at the same time he worked hard and he wanted to compete. Chris, he has been here. He already had the respect. It's all about respect. We respect both of them as quarterbacks and when they talk we listen. Us being able to handle that (two quarterbacks) has helped all, both of them and us."

Added offensive lineman Phil Trautwein: "Nothing changes when (either) is in the huddle. "When we see Tim, it's just another quarterback. We love Chris, and we love Tebow."

And the Gators are better because of it.

[Last modified October 28, 2006, 01:51:59]