HOOVER, Ala. - Tim Tebow's success in his first season as a starter was well documented as he became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy amid a record-breaking campaign. But nestled in all his mind-boggling stats was a number that doesn't sit well: four.
That's how many losses UF suffered in 2007, three of them by a touchdown or less, and the Gators turned Tebow's Heisman-winning season into what he said was a disappointing one.
Tebow, speaking from Southeastern Conference Media Days, said his biggest goal for this season is improving his decision-making by reading defenses and calling audibles faster, which he hopes will translate into more wins.
"That's what separates you from average to good and good to great," he said.
Tebow had more than twice as many rushing attempts (210) as any of his teammates last year and went past 20 carries three times. That usage was partly the product of a weak running game that left Tebow as the most reliable rusher.
But there was another reason, too. Thanks to his competitive nature, Tebow has the tendency to put all the pressure on his shoulders and take the game into his hands.
That can work well, as it did in a win against Ole Miss in which Tebow rushed 27 times, or it can result in dependency on the signal-caller's legs, which was clear in a loss to Georgia.
In that game, Tebow struggled in the running game with an injured right shoulder, and the offense was clearly out of sync.
He was hurt while taking hit after hit during a game against Kentucky the previous week, when several of his 20 carries came as scrambles on passing plays. Limiting those situations is a big example of how less could be more.
"When the play happens, when I'm dropping back, maybe I don't always have to make the big play," Tebow said. "I don't always have to run somebody over. Maybe I'll get down or step out of bounds, just be smart with the decisions that I make on the field. That will help out a lot."
He should get some support from a platoon of talented running backs and speedy receivers who can work from the backfield as well. In addition to Percy Harvin, Louis Murphy and Kestahn Moore, Southern Cal transfer Emmanuel Moody and speedsters Chris Rainey and Deonte Thompson figure to take a load off of Tebow.
"I hope that happens," coach Urban Meyer said. "Kestahn Moore, this is the best we have felt at running back. This is our fourth season, and it's not even comparable as far as work ethic, attitude and work level at our tailback position."
No matter how many helpers he has, there is another problem for Tebow. He became something of a cult hero in 2007, and the Gators' successes and failures will all be pinned on him.
"I've never really been one to worry about pressure too much," Tebow said. "I'm just going out there, playing a sport that I love and I'm very passionate about. What pressure do I have?"
Tebow added that the fame from his Heisman season has kept him out of malls and big stores to avoid being mobbed, but he did find a refuge from all the attention overseas.
He did missionary work in the Philippines, Croatia and Thailand, and with the exception of a few fans (who he said knew his name but couldn't speak English), it was a relatively quiet break.
"Most of the time, I'm not recognized for being a quarterback or a Heisman Trophy winner or anything like that," he said. "In the Philippines or Thailand, the only reason you're recognized is because you're a white man who is there. That's pretty cool."
In Gainesville, though, nearly everyone recognizes him for the Heisman-winning quarterback he is. When asked if Tebow could go down as the best college football player of any era, Meyer answered carefully.
"I got to watch what I say," Meyer said. "That's maybe how I feel."
