Urban Meyer Compares J.T. Barrett To Tim Tebow


Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer believes J.T. Barrett possesses similar leadership qualities to former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.


J.T. Barrett set the Ohio State record for passing touchdowns in a career during Saturday’s 58-0 win over Rutgers, and that earned him high praise from his head coach.

During his weekly Monday press conference Urban Meyer said that Barrett is a strong leader much like Tim Tebow, whom Meyer coach at Florida from 2006-09. Tebow played sparingly as a backup for the Gators’ national title team as a freshman, won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and led Florida to another national championship the following season.

Tebow was a first-round pick in the NFL draft by the Denver Broncos in 2010 and also played for the New York Jets in 2012. He’s now pursuing a professional baseball career with the New York Mets, though it was his time at Florida where Meyer called him the best leader he’s ever coached.

Meyer sees the same qualities in Barrett.

“J.T., in his own way, is exactly on the same level as Tim,” Meyer said. “Those are two elite leaders. J.T. certainly is at that level.”

Barrett has helped No. 2 Ohio State win its first four games of the season while throwing 14 touchdowns and rushing for three more, possessing some of the dual-threat capabilities of Tebow. Barrett’s third touchdown pass Saturday marked the 58th of his career, surpassing Bobby Hoying for the Buckeyes record. Terrell Pryor also threw 57 TD passes, but 27 were removed from his statistics because of NCAA sanctions.

As the first quarterback recruit Meyer had ever signed without seeing throw, it’s safe to say Barrett has exceeded all expectations during his time behind center.

“He’s the first quarterback (I’ve) signed that I’ve never seen throw. Think about that,” Meyer said. “Ever since I’ve been a head coach, I said I would never do that.”

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