7:44 p.m. EST, September 17, 2012|By Joe Morgan, For the Sentinel
GAINESVILLE â€" Tim Tebow has played in Denver and New York since his college career ended, but he never truly left Gainesville.
John Brantley, Trey Burton, Jordan Reed, Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel have dealt with expectations set by Tebow during the seasons since the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner's departure.
In 2010 and 2011, Florida was 15-11 with a 1-8 mark against ranked opponents.
However, since winning the starting job after a drawn-out position battle with Brissett thanks to his scrambling ability, Driskel has inspired a new wave of hope with his performance at quarterback this season.
Using both his arm and his feet to make plays, Driskel has averaged nearly 8 yards per touch during Florida's 3-0 start in 2012.
His performance in 2012 has drawn comparisons with Tebow.
It's nothing new for Driskel.
He has heard the comparisons since his days leading the Hagerty High offense. He was the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the Class of 2011. Driskel has long attempted to play down the similarities with Tebow.
"I've definitely heard those comparisons," Driskel said. "Even back in high school. Just because of our body size and the way we can run the ball. It's nice to be compared but I wouldn't go that far and say I try to be like him or watch his film and try to be like him, but I guess we do play similar styles."
Much like Tebow, who first endeared himself to UF fans during a win at Tennessee, Driskel had his coming-out party in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tebow ran for a crucial fourth-and-1 conversion on the Gators' game-winning touchdown drive during a 21-20 victory against the Volunteers during the 2006 season.
Driskel amassed 300 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in Florida's 37-20 win against Tennessee on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Driskel completed 14 of 20 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, he ran for 81 yards on eight carries.
For his efforts against the Volunteers, Driskel was named the Southeastern Conference offensive player of the week.
"It's a great honor," Driskel said. "All kinds of great players out there putting all kinds of crazy numbers up."
Driskel's numbers would have been even more impressive he had not stepped out of bounds eight yards into what looked like a 36-yard touchdown run against Tennessee. The 28 yards subtracted from the run would have given him 109 rushing yards against the Volunteers.
The last Gators quarterback to rush for 100-plus yards in a single game was Tebow, who accomplished the feat five times during his career.
Florida receiver Frankie Hammond Jr., who has played with both Tebow and Driskel, said the two differ mechanically when it comes to passing, but share a bond in the run game.
"[They are] similar when it comes to running, that's definitely the main similarity you can see in the two," Hammond said. "Both of them can run."
Linebacker Jon Bostic likes the threat Driskel's feet pose to opponents. Bostic said it has been difficult for Florida's defense to get a handle on Driskel in practice due to his scrambling ability.
"That's one thing we said about him, we hated two-minute [drills] because we turn our backs, and he takes off running," Bostic said. "Then, we've got to turn around and run and try to catch him."
Whether Driskel can match Tebow's success individually or in terms of team success has yet to be determined, but Muschamp has confidence in the Oviedo native's ability to lead the offense. As he gains more experience, Driskel will continue to improve.
"Well, I've always felt like from a potential standpoint that he had everything that he needed to be successful," Muschamp said. "There's no question about that. It's a maturing process as a player, especially at that position."
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