Tim Tebow jumps ahead of the pack at NFL Combine

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow decided that he would wait until the Gator’s Pro Day to showcase his arm and new throwing motion. While we will have to wait until then to see how Tebow can spin the ball, we got a glimpse of the athleticism that made the Heisman Trophy winner a special talent during his collegiate career.

Tebow looked excellent while competing in jumping drills — the vertical leap and broad jump.

In what was the all-time record by quarterbacks, Tebow posted 38.5-inch leap. His jump tied the record which was previously set by Josh McCown. Comparing Tebow to one of the most athletic quarterbacks in NFL history, the NFL Network’s Rich Eisen pointed out Michael Vick posted a 38-inch vertical at the combine in 2001.

After he tied the record, Tebow posted a standout broad jump of nine feet, seven inches. The average broad jump for quarterbacks at last year’s scouting combine was eight feet, ten inches.

In the 40-yard dash, Tebow ran an unofficial time of 4.70. The second attempt came in at an unofficial time of 4.72. His forty time ranked fourth among quarterbacks behind West Virginia’s Jarrett Brown (4.54), Dan LeFevour (4.64) of Central Michigan and Oklahoma State’s Zac Robinson (4.66).

He continued to exceed the quarterback numbers at the combine in the short shuttle. Tebow’s time was a 4.18, while last year’s average for the position was 4.50.

Tebow’s record performance in the broad jump and vertical leap obviously does not mean he has the ability to play quarterback in the NFL, but it does show his competitiveness and athletic ability.

The Florida star said earlier at the combine that if quarterback did not work out he would be willing to contribute to a team at any position. This performance should improve belief that he could make a successful transition to tight end or H-back.