Jets Considering Using Versatile Tim Tebow On Kickoff Coverage
NEW YORK (WFAN) - Tim Tebow is a member of the New York Jets -- that much is for sure.
But what will Tebow be with Gang Green? That much is to be determined.
The quarterback is currently listed as a backup to Mark Sanchez on the Jets' depth chart, but it's no secret that he may serve in a variety of capacities with New York this upcoming season. What role will he be featured most prominently in? Fans' guesses may be as good as Tebow's at this point.
In addition to backing up Sanchez, the 24-year-old has been rumored to see time as a punt protector. But punt protection may not be all that Tebow is asked to partake in within the special-teams unit. The University of Florida alum may also be utilized on kickoff coverage, according to the New York Daily News.
"I think there might be some value there on kickoff returns," assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica told the New York Daily News . "It's something that we've talked about. I don't think there's any option with Tim that we've taken off the table. So, that would be something that would be new to him as well. In what we've asked him to do as the personal protector [right now], he's done an excellent job."
The former first-round pick's multitude of roles will likely be further determined as training camp progresses.
Though Tebow achieved tremendous success -- from a win-loss percentage, at least -- in Denver last season, he's repeatedly insisted that he's perfectly fine with whatever head coach Rex Ryan asks of him.
And the Jets' coaching staff certainly seems inclined to take him up on that.
"There's certain guys that … if you ask them to go be the personal protector, you go ask them to be the fullback, you ask them to be the quarterback, you ask them to be the tight end, they simply get things done," Kotwica told the newspaper. "I think you'd be hard-pressed to say that Tim is not one of those guys that gets things done."
As the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos last season -- after taking over for Kyle Orton -- the six-foot-three, 236-pounder improbably led Denver to an AFC West title and an overtime playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
