If there is anyone who can relate to being a polarizing college quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, it’s ESPN college analyst Tim Tebow. After a highly successful career with the Florida Gators, Tebow had a brief run in the NFL where he experienced both highs and lows before walking away.
Now, a player who Tebow has watched closely through his job, Trevor Lawrence, is set to be the No. 1 overall selection to the Jacksonville Jaguars. After three years of watching the superstar at Clemson, Tebow told his ESPN comrade, Adam Schefter, that the Jags shouldn’t pass on Lawrence as he brings a lot of great traits to the table.
“I think they have to pull the trigger and make that happen,” Tebow told Schefter in his podcast “I think that Trevor brings so much to the table. Not only is he a great athlete that has an incredible skill set, but he’s also a very mature young man that has been in a lot of big moments. That really helps with the pressure.”
Having the chance to possibly come to a place in Jacksonville that will be super excited to have him and really, I guess, as a city, bring him in with open arms. I think that will be really encouraging for a young quarterback.”
With ESPN and ABC (a sister company of ESPN) covering a lot of Clemson’s games, Tebow undoubtedly has seen Lawrence in person many times. He would also understand the degree of mental maturity it takes to succeed in the NFL after spending six seasons in the league. With that being the case, fans can only hope Tebow and many others are right about Lawrence’s mental skills as they could propel him to success rather quickly.
Tebow also spoke on the head coach Lawrence is likely to be paired with in the NFL, Urban Meyer, who he had the luxury of playing under while with the Florida Gators. While together, the two had great success in Gainesville due to Meyer’s ability to cater to Tebow’s strengths, and though he’s now an NFL coach, Tebow said he expects Meyer to do the same for Lawrence.
“He’ll have a chance if he gets teamed up with Urban,” Tebow added. “One of the things I love about Urban is he’s going to put someone in a position where their strengths can flourish. He’s always done that. I believe he’ll always do that.”
Meyer’s choice to hire Darrell Bevell as his offensive coordinator is proof that the team plans to cater to what Lawrence does best. After working with Russell Wilson as a rookie and beyond, Meyer clearly felt the veteran coordinator has the ability to make Lawrence comfortable, too, but time will tell how successful the trio can be.
To hear the full episode of Schefter’s podcast, simply click here.