Colleges

Gators' spotlight now shines solely on Tebow

The sophomore quarterback relishes the perks and pressure of being the starting QB.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published April 14, 2007

GAINESVILLE -- Tim Tebow walked out of Florida's second-to-last spring practice Wednesday afternoon and was immediately surrounded by fans.

Most were much smaller and younger, many flanked by their parents. They held out hats, posters and shirts -- all eagerly waiting to see if Tebow would sign. After a two-hour scrimmage, it would be easy for him to decline.

But not for Tebow.

He vividly remembers former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel signing autographs for him as a youngster -- a hat at Tebow's church in Jacksonville and at Wuerffel's church. Other memorabilia during Gator fan day.

As Tebow officially takes over as the starting quarterback for Florida in today's annual Orange and Blue Game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, he is learning that going from Chris Leak's acclaimed understudy to undisputed leader of the defending national champion will involve more than just performing on the field. He believes it comes with the title.

"I don't mind it," Tebow said after signing every autograph. "I remember looking at other players when I was young. I don't want to be that guy who gets upset when people come up to me. I still love hanging out with people and meeting people. I don't want to have that attitude at all."

In February, coach Urban Meyer declared, "This is Tim Tebow's team now," something the sophomore has taken to heart.

"That's your dream growing up -- to get a chance to play for the Gators and being the starting quarterback," he said.

The Gators wrap up a spring season today that included trying to fill huge holes in a defense decimated by graduation and early departures to the NFL and searching for a reliable kicker and starting tailback. In the meantime, the Gators might have found their new Tebow in freshman Cameron Newton.

"Tim has done a great job," Meyer said. "I think the other guy, Cameron, has done a nice job, too. We plan on playing two quarterbacks next year. Our style of offense almost dictates that just because of the physicalness of it."

On his way to earning freshman All-SEC honors last season, Tebow finished second on the team with 469 rushing yards and his 48 points (on eight touchdowns) matched the school record for a quarterback set by Jimmy Fisher in 1976.

He became known as the go-to quarterback to pick up the short, tough yards in a role generally reserved for a star running back. He threw just 33 times, completing 22 for 358 yards and five touchdowns, leaving many eager to see if Tebow is more than just a rushing threat.

"It's been good. Tim's getting better day by day," senior receiver Andre Caldwell said. "He's progressed. He's doing more than I expected him to do stepping in as a starter this year. He's very, very accurate. People didn't think he was. But he's putting the ball on the money, and he's so confident back there."

"His throwing is going to be fine," tight end Tate Casey said. "With a young guy that hasn't thrown many balls, it's all about repetition. He's going to come out in the summer and throw a lot. I guarantee it."

Tebow, 19, believes his experience from last season will prove invaluable in his new role - as a starter. But expect him to continue working hard to prove Meyer is justified in his faith in Tebow.

"It's getting more like (his team)," Tebow said. "I'm still just trying to go out there and work and compete and try to earn it instead of have it handed to me because I was the only guy here."

He begins proving himself today.

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

FAST FACTS: Today's spring football games
Florida: 1 p.m., Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 620-AM
Florida State: 2 p.m., Doak Campbell Stadium
USF: 7 p.m., Raymond James Stadium

[Last modified April 13, 2007, 23:23:29]