Florida Gators' QB Tim Tebow: College Superstar, NFL Lost Cause

Florida Gator QB Tim Tebow's performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday demonstrated exactly why Tebow will never be a successful NFL QB.

Tebow is a fantastic runner. With his combination of size and agility, he can be a productive member of an NFL roster. 

He just can't play QB. The reason is very simple:

Tebow. Can't. Throw.

Despite a generally uninspiring performance, Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett made two throws on Saturday that Tim Tebow couldn't make in his wildest dreams. They were the types of plays an NFL QB has to be able to make.

Twice Mallett rolled out, and in a split second, ripped his arm forward, firing a laser throw downfield and toward the sideline.

The first set up a field goal late in the first half.

The second was a 75-yard TD.

The difference between a player with the physical tools necessary to play QB in the NFL and one without them was abundantly clear.

Florida won the game; that's what Urban Meyer's teams do. He is a winner.

Urban Meyer knows how to win games.

Pep talks don't win games. Promises don't win games. Screaming, "Let's go!" at your teammates until you turn purple doesn't win games.

Good execution by well prepared, talented players wins games.

Tebow will complete his college career as one of the most decorated athletes in the history of college football.

This year, he may be a member of a National Champion for the third time in his four year stay at Florida.

He may win a second Heisman trophy, becoming only the second player ever to hoist bronze statue twice.

However, none of that will matter if he is standing in an NFL pocket on some distant Sunday. He'll see a wide receiver streaking down the sideline, and an NFL free safety flying across the field to make a play.

He won't be able to get the ball there. 

No amount of fist-pumping, chest-pounding, or purposeful screaming will help the ball get there in time.

Tebow can still be an NFL success. He can make the transition to tight end. He would make a serviceable fullback. He can even switch to defense.

With the increasing popularity of the "Wildcat," perhaps Tebow will be given an opportunity to run a gimmicky offense, like Ronnie Brown but slower.

For all his greatness, the Gators' affable young playmaker lacks one important skill. His release is slow, his arm strength is uninspiring, and his downfield passes lack accuracy and zip.

He throws a mean shovel pass, but NFL personnel decision makers expect a little bit more. With all Tebow has to offer, he cannot offer the single most important thing for an NFL QB.

He can't throw.