Tebow Is Fast Enough For The Pros, But Is He Tough Enough?

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The book on Tim Tebow in college has been this: He bulls his way like a fullback over SEC linebackers, but he lacks the speed to take his game to the next level.

And by “his game,” we’re talking HIS game… the spread, the wildcat, etc.  Tebow doesn’t appear to have the throwing ability to be an every down signal-caller in a standard pro offense.  Go ahead and put that one in the bank.  If he’s going to make it in the NFL, he’ll have to use his legs as he did at Florida.

But the book on Tebow — in my view — is wrong.  Tebow’s ability to run a wildcat package in the pros won’t be hindered by his lack of Micheal Vickish foot speed.  His durability is more likely to be the issue.



Tebow has never looked fast.  But coaches across the SEC have spoken of his “deceptive quickness” for the last three seasons.  Tebow has been fast enough to run Urban Meyer’s spread-option attack in the SEC.  And no league has faster players than the SEC.  That includes the NFL.

Sure, there are MORE fast athletes in the pro ranks, but players don’t improve their speed from college to the NFL.  If Tebow can get by SEC lineman, linebackers and DBs, then he’s quick enough to do the same in the NFL.

But NFL players do, however, improve their bodies.  In the SEC, Tebow ran into some of the best linebackers in college football.  Those linebackers were Tebow’s age.  They’d spent three or four years in top-notch weightrooms.

In the NFL, Tebow will have to run over men who have sculpted their physiques in college and then professional weightrooms.  Some of Tebow’s opponents will have been honing their bodies for 10 to 15 years.  So while NFL players aren’t necessarily faster than SEC players, they are stronger, thicker and bigger.



While most scouts are giving Tebow bad grades for his Senior Bowl showing, many columnists have been pouring on the praise.  “Don’t doubt ol’ Tebow” is their mantra.

And I agree.  Someone who drafts Tebow will be getting a player with unique abilities, incredible leadership skills and — if he’s willing to play a slash-type role — unmatched versatility.  He is well worth a second round pick to the right team.

But even as a slash type player in the NFL, Tebow can’t be used as a battering ram at the next level… as UF often did with him.

Tebow’s speed isn’t the issue.  He’s played against speed in the SEC.  His durability will be the concern. 

It’s one thing to get smacked around by Rolando McClain and Reshad Jones.  It’s something else to be belted down after down by chiseled headhunters like Ray Lewis and Adrian Wilson.