Making the Case for Cam Newton over Tebow as College Football's Best Player of Century
For the most part, the legends of college football's past are rarely compared to one another. They are worshiped by fanbases that were lucky enough to witness their brilliance over a period of time, and that more than suffices.
On occasion, in special instances, greatness stretches beyond campuses. In the instance of former college football quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Cam Newton, one can't help but dissect two very different and potent resumes.
That's precisely what a panel of B/R staffers did when ranking the Top 25 college football players of the century so far. Tebow reigned supreme, with Newton coming in second by a matter of one voter.
To be clear, both make sense. Tebow delivered both physically and emotionally. Newton dazzled and overpowered. Both won in the biggest ways imaginable.
But for as magnificent as Tebow was, Newton has a gripe. And we have the proper context to showcase exactly why.
Stacking Up Heisman Seasons
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Each player won college football's most prestigious award.
Tebow won his in 2007, although he didn't win a championship that year. He did, however, win two additional titles. One as a freshman in 2006 and another in 2008. Newton won his Heisman in 2010, and Auburn won a national championship that season with a 14-0 mark. Florida's record in 2007 was 9-4.
In terms of total yards, Tebow finished with 4,381 yards. Newton finished with 4,327 yards. Notably, Newton finished with 1,473 rushing yards. As for touchdowns, Tebow scored 55; Newton scored 50. Auburn finished the season unbeaten against ranked teams, beating South Carolina twice, Arkansas, LSU, Alabama and Oregon.
In those ranked games, Newton finished with 1,200 passing yards, 757 rushing yards, 23 total touchdowns and one interception. Tebow finished with 1,438 passing yards, 321 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Statistically speaking, the two were incredibly close. In terms of Heisman voting, Tebow finished 1,957 points. The runner-up, Arkansas' Darren McFadden, finished with 1,703 points. Newton finished with 2,263 points; Andrew Luck, who finished second, totaled 1,079 points.
Although the highlights of Newton's push included more high-profile moments. He ran for 217 yards against LSU, highlighted by a 49-yard touchdown that kicked his Heisman campaign into overdrive. He led the Tigers back from a 24-0 deficit against Alabama in the Iron Bowl, accounting for four touchdowns in a 28-27 win.
Stats won't provide much separation, at least when it comes to the ultimate highs. Much of this will depend on what someone views as most important.
The Strongest Case Against Cam
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Let's address the elephant in the room—or, in this instance, the alligator.
If you're stacking up career stats side by side, and this is what one finds most important, then Tebow is the selection over Newton, and the discussion can end there.
No drama. No magical "gotcha" reveal. Let's bring this very sane stance out in the open.
Tebow was a meaningful contributor for three seasons, and he even factored as a true freshman in 2006. Across his four years at Florida, Tebow threw for 9,285 yards, ran for 2,947 yards and scored 145 touchdowns. His passing yards rank fourth all-time at Florida; he also ranks sixth all-time in rushing yards.
He ran for more touchdowns than anyone in SEC history, and he scored more touchdowns than anyone in his conference's history. He was efficient and productive. He was charismatic and clutch. And he was all these things against elite competition over the course of his career.
In terms of career accolades, Tebow was simply superb. Saying anything that diminishes the legacy and longevity of Tebow's brilliance would be both foolish and incorrect. The argument against Newton's place in this discussion has few holes.
In fact, this is the only hole, but it's a glaring one.
There is no comparing the two from a career perspective, although the argument for and against both is much more than touchdowns, yards and time.
The Strongest Case for Cam: A (Largely) One-Man Show
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Tebow's excellence at Florida was undeniable. But one can't tell the story of Tebow without the proper context of the rest of the team.
All told, the Gators had nine players drafted during Tebow's senior year, the most in college football. It's worth noting that after his junior year, wideout Percy Harvin, one of the most explosive college football players in the past few decades, was also drafted. As were productive offensive weapons Louis Murphy and Cornelius Ingram.
These players shouldn't take away anything Tebow accomplished. But the offensive talent he was surrounded with—not to mention the presence of head coach Urban Meyer—requires context.
Newton's tenure, albeit brief at Auburn, was much different. And one could argue without much resistance that no player in the history of college football meant more to their team in a specific season than Newton did.
Auburn had two players selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. Newton, who was the first overall pick, along with defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who was selected No. 13 overall.
The next Auburn player taken was offensive tackle Lee Ziemba. He was selected in the seventh round—specifically, pick No. 244. The team had meaningful contributors such as running back Michael Dyer, the late Philip Lutzenkirchen at tight end and others.
But to see Newton essentially stand alone in terms of offensive prospects speaks to just how much he was expected to do. His performance, headlined by his rushing yards, speaks to this. As do the many individual moments he produced, which began the season with modest expectations at No. 22 in the AP Poll, only to conquer everything in its path.
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The Case for Cam: A QB Cyborg with Aura
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For a moment, let's put down the stats. Let's instead celebrate the physicality of both quarterbacks and the very different, very unique charisma each produced.
Tebow was roughly 6'3" and 235 pounds. He looked the part and moved like a tight end—a battering ram with shockingly good speed. Newton stood 6'5" and 245 pounds, possessing length and stature and physical traits unlike any quarterback to ever play the position.
Tebow's offense was often ugly, but there was beauty in the way he moved the ball. Newton's offense was something out of a video game—the kind of player blessed with too many overpowering gifts.
His arm strength was elite. His speed was exceptional. He was also a human battering ram when asked to be, something that became more prominent as his career progressed.
It's hard to say Newton helped redefine the position, because the position hasn't seen anyone quite like him since. But if you were building a quarterback from scratch, he would look, move and throw like him.
As for swag, both quarterbacks had it. Tebow cried, bled, made promises to win, delivered on promises to win and provided an emotional lift for his entire tenure. Few figures have ever looked the part of a superstar more.
Although Newton is one of those figures.
His style was confident, bordering on arrogant, although he never tried too hard. He didn't have to. Newton's aura was something homegrown and impossible to recreate. He smiled ear to ear. He played as Superman.
And all he did was win.
One Final Thought
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On October 11, Newton's No. 2 jersey number will be retired by Auburn. Newton will become the fourth Tiger to get his number retired, joining Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson and Terry Beasley.
The decision, in many respects, is an easy one. Regardless of the debate between two quarterbacks, Newton's legacy at Auburn will never be challenged. His impact on an individual season will also likely never be topped.
Regarding this discussion, the preference will likely depend on what matters most.
In terms of career production, Tebow has the edge. His resume at Florida was simply sensational, as were the many accolades he accumulated along the way. He played with his own unique style and proved to be incredibly effective.
Newton's counter is something completely distinctive. While his career numbers will never compare, his legacy hits different. He carried a team to a national championship in a way no player has done since and no player will ever again.
He arrived, he conquered and then he was gone. To some, perhaps it wasn't enough. To those who saw it all unfold, however, no one has ever done more.
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