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Can Tebow Make It In The NFL?

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By JOEY JOHNSTON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 8, 2009

MIAMI – In a few hours, University of Florida junior quarterback Tim Tebow could cement his status as one of the greatest players in college football history. Tonight, Tebow's Gators (12-1) face the Oklahoma Sooners (12-1) in the BCS Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium.

But what about Tebow's future?

He's considering early entry into the NFL draft. Then again, he might return for another season. After all, the Gators look like a strong contender for preseason No. 1 in 2009. And there's always the shot at his second Heisman Trophy.

Sooner or later – Gator fans hope it's later – Tebow will try the NFL. Already, that possibility is a fascination. He's perfect for Coach Urban Meyer's spread-option offense, but does he have a place as an professional quarterback?

How many 240-pound battering rams are taking snaps in the NFL?

"It depends on the system," said Meyer, who had a quarterback with comparable skills at Utah (Alex Smith) that became the No. 1 overall pick, but has largely been a bust with the San Francisco 49ers. "It's amazing to me when someone tries to put a guy in a spread offense when they can't do it. Fire the coach. Get somebody in there who knows how to utilize his skills.

"He's a great runner, but I know his longevity in the NFL would not be very high if that [high running totals] continued. Last year, we ran him one game 27 times against Ole Miss to close out the game. We wouldn't do that again."

Tebow's eyes narrow when it's suggested he wouldn't be effective as an NFL passer.

"That's the position I play and it's the one I want to play [in the NFL]," Tebow said. "Now there's more to my life than football. That's not all I'm counting on. But don't get me wrong, I still want to play."

Fox broadcasters, preparing to work tonight's game in Miami, seemed optimistic about Tebow's NFL chances.

"The more I watch Tebow, the more I think he might be a quarterback," said Jimmy Johnson, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. "He has the arm strength. He makes accurate throws. He has the physical presence. He can get you believing."

"Who's to say he can't play there? We'll find out down the road," said former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer. "He's more of a single-wing tailback. He's a throwback guy. But he presents a hell of a problem for defenses."

Fox analyst Charles Davis believes NFL teams must give Tebow an honest opportunity to play quarterback.

"I would work at it," Davis said. "If you can't get him to that level, well, OK, that's fine. But I think you'd be remiss by not taking him and giving it a shot.

"If you don't take Tim Tebow and take a good hard look at whether he can play quarterback in the NFL, if I was the owner, then I would question the coaching staff as to how hard they want to coach."

So we put it to you, Gator fans (and non-Gator fans).

What do you think about Tim Tebow's NFL future?

And when he arrives, will he still be taking snaps as a quarterback?

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353.

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