Tim Tebow believes Jadan Baugh’s impact on Florida goes far beyond what he does with the football in his hands.
Speaking with the media on behalf of SEC Nation in Gainesville on Friday, the former Florida quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion praised Baugh as one of the best running backs in the country and said the junior has a chance to become one of the best players in the country.
But Baugh’s physical abilities aren’t the only things that stand out to Tebow.
“For Jadan, I do think he’s one of the best running backs in the country,” Tebow said. “He has a chance to be one of the best players in the country. I think he’s shown that consistently. But I think it’s more than just his ability. I think added on top of that it’s his mentality, it’s his grit, it’s his toughness.”
For Tebow, that’s where Baugh’s value goes beyond the stat sheet.
“He inspires you. The way he plays, it makes you want to be better. I love that. It’s contagious,” Tebow said. “I think having players that can set that standard makes everyone else around them better.”
“How does a running back make a D-line better? By playing like that. Because you inspire other players. I think that’s something that no one talks about,” Tebow added. “Well, when I watch Jadan, you walk in as a freshman and you are the strongest guy, pound for pound, on the team. That inspires. Other players are like, ‘I better get to work.’ That makes an impact. I think he does so much more than carry the rock.”
While it’s still early in the season, Baugh is already on Heisman watch lists. He’s rushed for 458 yards and eight touchdowns on just 54 carries, averaging 8.5 yards per carry. The 6’1″, 225-pound running back has 30 broken tackles, the most in the FBS. He’s also already had three runs of over 50 yards. Last season, his season long was 26 yards.
There’s been a clear improvement in his explosiveness and decisiveness at the second level.
“Gosh, he’s got to be one of my favorite players to watch, root for, all of the above,” Tebow said of Baugh.
No. 21 Florida is set to take on No. 4 Ole Miss inside The Swamp on Saturday. It’s another opportunity for Baugh to make his mark in a critical SEC game. Tebow expects the atmosphere to be electric.
“I feel like there’s a chance that the Swamp will be crazier than it’s been in a long time. Maybe since like 2019,” Tebow said. “And so I’m excited about that, because I also think for Florida to have success it needs to be one of the most hostile places in the country.”