ESPN writer David Ching is releasing a series of posts every Tuesday ranking players in the SEC from the last decade of playing with the first one having dropped yesterday. The first one ranks quarterbacks and it shouldn't surprise anyone which name appears at the top of the list. Most of these guys played against each other so it was fairly easy to compare them all.
5. A.J. McCarron, Alabama (2010-13)
4. Aaron Murray, Georgia (2010-13)
3. Cam Newton, Auburn (2010)
2. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (2012-13)
1. Tim Tebow, Florida (2006-09)
"Regardless of whether you believe Tebow possesses a skill set that would work in the NFL, his status in the college football world is unquestionable," wrote Ching. "He was one of the most successful quarterbacks who ever took a college snap, helping the Gators claim a BCS title as Chris Leak's backup in 2006, winning a Heisman Trophy in 2007 (3,286 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, six interceptions, 895 rushing yards, 23 rushing TDs), leading Florida to a BCS championship in 2008 and nearly taking them back there again the next year."
Let's not forget that Newton won a championship with Auburn and McCarron has back-to-back national titles with the Crimson Tide as well. But it looks like Tebow's overall work at Florida was enough to give him the nod.
[h/t Saturday Down South]