Wanna Be a Steader!

In a world full of contradictions, in which so-called institutions of higher learning pay their football coaches more than what it costs to build a university library, Tebow is a positive paradox in shoulder pads.

On one hand, the freshman from Jacksonville, Fla., born in the Philippines, fits the perception of the popular big man on campus. During one of the team’s game-day walks to the stadium this season, two female fans fainted after high-fiving Tebow.

At the same time, Tebow blows apart the stereotype of the nerdy, anti-social home- school kid whose athletic prowess amounts to holding a pencil with two fingers. Educated at his farmhouse through the 12 th grade — Florida law allowed him to play sports at a public high school — Tebow’s outgoing personality, strong leadership abilities and athleticism have combined to help the Gators reach the national championship game Monday against Ohio State.

"I know what the stereotype is and hopefully I’m not that," Tebow said, adding that society often slams what it doesn’t understand. "A lot of people think home-schoolers are somewhat nerdy, but I don’t think most of them are."

Tebow’s thoughts are a refreshing respite from the canned comments so often delivered by today’s athletes. Like Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio State, Tebow actually thinks before he speaks. What he says and how he says it are impressive, much to the delight of home-schoolers who are tired of being pegged collectively as odd dressers with bad haircuts.

Unconventional should not be confused with weird. Is Tebow’s background different? Absolutely. Is he? Doesn’t seem to be. It’s just that he defies lazy descriptions.

On one hand, Tebow is a 6-foot-3, 240-pound quarterback with the mentality of a linebacker — Louisiana State coach Les Miles called him a rock-’em, sock-’em kind of runner — who revs fans in the Swamp by pumping his arms to the crowd.

On the other hand, he is a mild-mannered missionary who during three of the past four summers accompanied his father, Bob, on evangelistic trips to the Philippines.

"In 2005, Timmy preached on one day to over 29,000 people and over 25,000 put their trust in Christ," said Bob Tebow, a Florida graduate who began his ministry 22 years ago.

Bob is not worried how the adulation will affect Tim, whose security rests not in acclaim but in a cross. Knowing the strength of their son’s character, Bob and his wife, Pam, never hesitated in having him play football for a public high school, a world with which the teen was not familiar.

"He’s a stand-alone guy who is not peer dependent, so there were no issues," Bob said.

"Plus, he’s so humble and lovable and has such a charismatic personality that he fit right in," said Craig Howard, Tebow’s high school coach. "He’s a hero-type kid who is a servant leader."

Two hearts — of a lion and of a lamb — existing in one body makes Tebow a model of respect among teammates.

"I think a lot of times people get the wrong perception (about Christians)," senior receiver Jemalle Cornelius said. "They look at you as a soft person. That’s why I’m glad to see someone like Tim Tebow come in here. He likes to compete. He sacrifices his body and he also keeps his nose clean. He sets a good example, and we need more guys like that in college."

College? How about more guys like Tim Tebow, period.

Florida Gators has a Homeschooled QB!!

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