It might be considered blasphemous, if not ludicrous, to Florida football fans, but Jeff Driskel is drawing comparisons to the gold standard of Gators quarterbacks.
During his second college start at quarterback, the hard-charging, linebacker-sized sophomore reminded more than a few people of none other than Tim Tebow.
In story by Orlando Sentinel Joe Morgan, Driskel said he’s heard such comparisons dating to his days as a dual-threat quarterback at Hagerty High School in Oviedo.
Gators coach Urban Meyer envisioned Driskel, the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the nation, as a player who could orchestrate Florida’s spread offense, which helped Tebow win two national championships, a Heisman Trophy and the undying adoration of fans until the end of time.
Driskel walked into a much tougher situation than Tebow, but given his chance the past couple of games has shown the mentality and moxie, as well as the physical tools, to give Gators fans hope for the future. It might not be a future quite like the recent past, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Last week at Tennessee, Driskel had 219 passing yards for two touchdowns and chipped in 81 rushing yards as the Gators piled up 555 yards of total offense in a 37-20.
Tebow’s first SEC start came against the Vols in 2007. He led Florida to a 554-yard offensive outburt, throwing and rushing for two touchdowns each in a 59-20 win in Gainesville.
Driskel (6-foot-3, 237 pounds) has the size, the grit and some of the physical gifts of Tebow. And, Driskel appears to be a better pure passer.
Still, one game and one yard’s difference do not validate a comparison between Driskel and arguably the greatest Gator. But at the very least, Florida fans have to be pleased to finally see the first quarterback since Tebow that might have some staying power.
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