I know my opinion isn't a popular one, but hear me out. From a schematic standpoint, if I was forced to choose between Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow to play in UF's offense, I'd take Harvin.
Maybe it's because I've seen too much of Tebow and I'm desensitized to all his clutch plays, but I think the loss of Harvin will be harder to absorb in the Gators' game plan.
There was a time when I wouldn't hesitate to choose Tebow in this discussion, but as he becomes more and more aware of how his style of play will have to change before he hits the NFL, the things that make him so dangerous are tempered a little.
When Tebow is running all over the field, he causes all kinds of trouble for a defense. Once in high school, I saw a team tell its defensive lineman not to cross the line of scrimmage or try to pressure Tebow. They just stood up, fanned out and shuffled their feet in an attempt to keep him from running. Naturally, that trick failed.
As Tebow stays in the pocket more, he stops being Tebow and starts being just a really, really good quarterback, and defenses don't have to allocate as much manpower to babysit him.
I don't see any reason why John Brantley wouldn't be able to succeed in an offense where he has a full complement of playmakers and needs to make around 15 throws per game.
Meanwhile, Harvin demands tons of attention. He's always in motion and moving around, and it leaves defenses uneasy. His mere presence on the field gives other receivers single coverage and opens up running lanes for Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey.
So not only is Harvin a threat to score on every touch, but he gives another two or three guys that same ability just by being there. Demps & Co. didn't look quite the same against Alabama without Harvin around.
Tebow and Harvin are both incredible players, but Harvin makes more plays that I don't think anyone else could make. Neither can be replaced, but I think another quarterback could function in the offense better than another receiver/running back could fill Harvin's role.
Obviously, this discussion is strictly X's and O's, because if leadership or charisma were factored in, Tebow is more important to UF than Harvin or even coach Urban Meyer.
I understand if you don't agree. But at the very least, take into account how important Harvin was to the Gators, and consider the impact his departure will have before you expect the 2009 UF squad to be the best in college football history.
