1. Tim Tebow, Florida
Pro careers aside, there’s no greater quarterback in SEC history than Tebow. While not the most conventional quarterback, Tebow exuded grit and determination, always doing whatever it takes to get the job done. After splitting time with Chris Leak while helping the Gators to a national championship as a freshman, Tebow became the full-time starter in 2007. He won the Heisman that year, becoming the first sophomore to win the award and was a finalist the next two years. Tebow then carried Florida to another national championship in 2008, rallying the team after a loss with an impassioned post-game speech. Despite not winning the Heisman his junior or senior seasons, Tebow did take home SEC Player of the Year honors both years. He finished his collegiate career with over 9,000 passing yards and 88 touchdown passes while also rushing for nearly 3,000 yards and scoring 57 more touchdowns on the ground.
Tebow was far from the perfect NFL prospect, but he was a 1st-round pick in the 2010 Draft. After serving as a backup, Tebow became a starter in the middle of the 2011 seasons, leading the Broncos on an improbable winning streak, culminating in an overtime playoff win over the Steelers in which Tebow threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime. However, the Broncos parted ways with him after the season in favor of Peyton Manning and Tebow threw just eight NFL passes after the 2011 season. He eventually walked away from football to begin a baseball career, signing a minor league deal with the Mets. However, he continues to work as a college football analyst for ESPN.
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