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The Maxwell Award
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Tim Tebow, University of FloridaMuch was expected of Tim Tebow when he enrolled at the University of Florida. In just two seasons, the 6-3, 235 pound quarterback has done it all, setting a Southeastern Conference record for total offense and in the process becoming the first sophomore to win the Maxwell Award as Collegiate Player of the Year. “I am fortunate, fortunate for a lot of things,” Tebow said. “God truly blessed me and this honor just adds on.” In 2007, Tebow made history as the first major college player ever to run for at least 20 touchdowns and pass for 20 touchdowns in the same season. He had 22 rushing touchdowns, an SEC record, and 29 passing touchdowns while piling up 3,970 yards of total offense. He completed 68 per cent of his pass attempts for 3,132 yards. “He is a one-of-a-kind player,” wrote Todd McShay on ESPN.com. “He brings fullback size, tailback running skills and a linebacker toughness to the quarterback position. I will be the first to admit I never imagined Tebow developing as a passer this quickly. Sure, (coach) Urban Meyer’s system gives him a lot of easy reads and open receivers...However, you don’t finish the season ranked second nationally in passing efficiency unless you’re making excellent decisions and accurate throws.” Meyer said the key to Florida’s prolific offense was Tebow’s unique abilities, not the design of his spread formations. "Tim Tebow could run whatever offense we run,” Meyer said. “That’s one coach’s opinion. He’s a great player making plays. He has done things that no one in the history of college football has been able to do. I’m glad people recognize the magnitude of his accomplishments.” The Gators finished the regular season with a 9-3 record and earned a berth in the Capitol One Bowl in Orlando. The team did not have a true running threat other than Tebow whose ability to both run and pass made him a throwback to the days of the single wing tailback. Tebow ran the ball 194 times for 838 yards, so he took more of a pounding than most quarterbacks. A southpaw, Tebow sustained injuries to his right shoulder and right hand, but he never missed a game. He rushed for 120 yards against South Carolina and a season-high 166 yards against Ole Miss. In a 45-12 win over rival Florida State, Tebow completed 19 of 28 passes for 262 yards, he ran the ball 13 times for 89 yards and he accounted for five touchdowns. “We could not get him down,” said Bobby Bowden, the Florida State coach. “He’s everything he’s cracked up to be, that’s for sure.” “As a quarterback, you’ve got to think about your body and be there for your team,” Tebow said. “I know sometimes I’ve got to be smart and get down and get out of bounds. But I’m also a competitor. If all these other guys are out there giving 100 per cent for me, I can take on a few guys for them, too.” Tebow was known throughout the state of Florida during his days at Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach where he was rated the No. 1 prep prospect in America. He was recruited by every major college, but chose to stay close to home enrolling at Florida which was located just 90 miles away in Gainesville. As a freshman, he split time with senior quarterback Chris Leak as the Gators won the national championship. In the 2007 season, Tebow became the centerpiece of Meyer’s explosive offense. He had at least one rushing touchdown in each game and his 29 to 6 touchdown to interception ratio was proof of his accuracy as a passer. Tebow, 20, was born in the Philippines where his parents were serving as Christian missionaries. He has worked and preached at his parents’ orphanage since he was 15. He regularly speaks at schools and delivered his message of faith at a Florida prison during the 2007 season. “Tim is an extraordinary young man,” Meyer said.
“Really, it’s a privilege to coach someone like that.” |
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