Is Tim Tebow a No Show For The 2009 Gators?

Tim Tebow did something Wednesday that Florida fans didn't want him to do.  He filed his paperwork just like many talented juniors, to test the NFL draft waters.

And who can blame him?  Surely this National Championship winner, Heisman Trophy winner, and future pro phenom will attract lots of attention.  And should Florida win another National Championship with Tebow at the helm, what more would he have to prove.

Tebow says that whether  Florida wins another National Championship or not will not be a deciding factor his decision to go pro.  The deciding factors are twofold.  His projected draft status and the rookie salary cap that goes into effect in the 2010 NFL season.

Another thought that may affect his decision is not necessarily his draft position, but his draft position.  Many see Tebow as a player who could be an effective back or tight end.  Tebow insists he's only interested in playing quarterback.  Not all great college QB's translate into even good NFL signal callers.

There's no doubt he's one of the greatest players in college football in the last 10 years, but his strengths don't translate well into many NFL offensive game plans. 

He's not a traditional drop back passer and his release needs to be quicker.  And even though running quarterbacks are fun to watch, tell me one that's won a super bowl.

In the time between now and the NFL combines, Tebow says things will work out in their own time and he isn't worried about all that right now.

"I haven't really worried about it," Tebow said of the paperwork. "I think they're (school officials) going to help me do that, get it all in or whatever we need to do."

Tebow could possibly sign for a much higher figure this year than next year, which could be the determining factor.  Why would he wait and be roped into a salary cap that he wouldn't have to worry about this coming year?

Tebow doesn't want this to be story right now and has done everything to keep the focus on the upcoming championship game against Oklahoma.  Don't expect Tebow to answer many other questions about it until after the Jan. 8th game.

"I don't think so, to tell you to truth, because win or lose there's going to be a lot to come back and play for," Tebow was quoted as saying. "A win, coming back, you have a chance to come back and go for three out of four which isn't bad. Lose, you have a chance to come back here and get your second one. Either way it would be fun."

Other Gators are expected to jump early and whether or not Tebow is among them remains to be seen.  Florida fans will just have to wait and see.