Tim Tebow thinks Florida may need more than one quarterback to pull off an upset against Georgia.
Ahead of Saturday’s rivalry game on ESPN’s SportsCenter, the former Gators star backed Florida’s choice to start Aaron Philo if he’s healthy, while also making the case that Tramell Jones Jr. has done enough to stay in the mix after his breakout performance against Texas. Tebow even floated the idea that both quarterbacks could be on the field at the same time.
"I think it's a really good decision to start Aaron if he's healthy, and I think Tramell Jones is also an added asset to this offense because of his skill set," Tebow said. "He went into Austin and led Florida to a huge upset win. He is a really darn good football player, and I think he's earned the right to be able to play and help this team."
Philo is expected to take back the starting job after sitting out Florida’s 27-24 win over Texas with a shoulder injury. In his first career start, Jones went 22 of 35 for 155 yards and two touchdowns, and he also ran for 41 yards.
Tebow said Philo’s experience matters against a Georgia defense coached by Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, but Jones brings a different kind of threat. His mobility and ability to make plays outside the pocket, Tebow suggested, could give Florida another layer.
"I wouldn't be shocked to see both quarterbacks play in this game," Tebow said. "I might not even be shocked to see both of them in the huddle at a certain point, because I think Tramell adds something unique to this offense."
He also pointed to Florida’s receiver group as a potential difference-maker, saying the Gators may finally have their top three wideouts available together. Tebow noted that Eric Singleton Jr., Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III had shared the field for only five snaps this season, which has limited Florida’s ability to show everything it can do on offense.
That group, along with Philo, Jones and running back Jadan Baugh, gives Tebow enough belief that Florida can stress Georgia’s defense. Vernell Brown III was ruled out shortly after Tebow made that comment.
On the other side of the ball, Tebow said Florida has to get after Gunner Stockton without leaving its secondary exposed. He pointed to Auburn’s approach against Georgia as a model, especially the way it created pressure with four rushers while still keeping help behind the play.
"You don't want to bring pressure with a lot of guys," Tebow said. "You want to be able to play two-high as much as you can, and you need to take something from Auburn's playbook. They found a way to get pressure with four in a lot of unique looks."
Tebow also cautioned against overcommitting in the pass rush, noting Stockton’s ability to climb in the pocket and extend plays. That, he said, can put extra strain on Florida’s defensive backs if they have to hold up too long.
For Tebow, Florida’s formula is pretty clear: mix and match on offense, stay disciplined on defense, and find a way to make Georgia uncomfortable.
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