Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is as polarizing a figure as they come in college football. Now with the Denver Broncos auditioning everyday for a starting spot that may not come, Tebow is outspoken about his religious beliefs and not afraid to bare his true colors – even in the form of tears rolling down his face during the sorrow of defeat on national television.
Love him or hate him, Tebow meant something to just about everybody.
In a positive way, the Heisman Trophy winner means a lot to Rowen County High School (KY) quarterback Adam Wing.
“I love the way Tebow can lead a team,” says Wing. “I try and model myself after him.”
And if Wing were a model for Tebow’s on-the-field toughness, he’d be Cindy Crawford; Wing’s highlight video plays reel after reel of tackle-breaking runs and big passing yards. On offense and defense, Wing makes his presence known.
“He’s an incredibly tough kid,” said Wing’s high school coach Shadon Brown, “I would say he’s a dual threat, but really he’s a pocket passer who can run.
“We also have him play spot duty at free safety as well. He’s very versatile.”
That toughness is why Marshall was one of the first programs to offer Wing a scholarship and continued to recruit him hard all the way until Wing’s April 8th commitment.
“Marshall was at a game last year watching [fellow Marshall commit] Tyler Combs when they saw Adam,” said Brown. “Adam had a great game. They offered [a scholarship] to Adam and never wavered.”
“I need to give credit to coach [Phil] Ratlif and JuJuan Seider,” added Wing of his recruitment. “They relate to me and they have strong ties to eastern Kentucky.
Wing also received consideration from Kentucky, Ball State and Missouri, among others, but like the MU coaches who recruited him, the junior quarterback never backed down from his commitment to the Herd, especially with coach Doc Holliday’s track record of quarterbacks at Florida (Tebow) and North Carolina State (Phillip Rivers).
Wing previously visited Marshall’s facilities and said he immediately knew he felt right at home. “The locker room is so nice,” Wing mentioned. “And I was in a quarterbacks meeting and the terminology of the offense is very similar to the terminology we use.”
The quarterback also says he will be at Marshall’s annual spring game on April 23. With some time and development Wing could find himself in the Herd’s Green and White game being Marshall’s version of Tim Tebow.