Tim Tebow Won't Accept RB Title Just Yet, Impressing Rex Ryan
Tim Tebow is setting the record straight for New York spectators who believe the Jets quarterback should convert to running back.
Although Tebow has yet to throw a touchdown pass for his team, he proved his running abilities by rushing for 84 yards in three preseason games. While a number of people questioned if the RB position would better suit the 25-year-old Christian QB, NFL running back turned ESPN analyst Merril Hoge suggested that Tebow should switch positions.
"With Tim Tebow, I know they are going to pull out the Wildcat, but right now they need power football," Hoge said on ESPN. "Move him to running back, establish that . . . He is big and strong and powerful. His heart is a 10. I think he is a guy who is going to get some carries."
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While Tebow said he was flattered to hear Hoge's opinion, he also wasn't quick to accept a
position change.
"Well, I'll take that as a compliment from him. But I'm a quarterback first and foremost," Tebow said in an ESPN report. "However else I can help the team, I'll help the team."
Still, some NFL fans took to Twitter to offer their suggestions about Tebow switching positions.
"Tim Tebow needs to just become Running Back he is not a QB and never will be sorry bout it," one person tweeted.
Another person compared Tebow to former NFL RB Ed Podolak.
"When I see Tim Tebow, I remember Ed Podolak who was a QB at Iowa...and then a very good Running Back for the KC Chiefs," the person tweeted.
However, the QB's coach said he saw some improvement in Tebow's highly criticized throwing mechanics, which are vital for his position.
"He does some things, though, that just being able to keep plays alive, is really impressive," Jets head coach Rex Ryan said about the QB, who is currently 13-for-36 for 151 yards in three preseason games. "I know he probably wishes his percentage was higher but at those times, it's a little different, especially when you're just firing up there quite a bit. I've been impressed with Tim."
