Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson didn't think too much of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow the first time he saw him in action.

"The first year we played against him he was a back-up," Johnson said. "I was kind of, 'I don't know about this guy, he looks like a fullback to me.'"

That was in a nail-biter in 2006, when the then-7th ranked Gators withstood a late Commodore comeback to win in Nashville, 25-19. Tebow was better-known for his overdone celebrations after first down runs than he was for his passing abilities.

Tebow, then a back-up to senior Chris Leak, came in after sophomore receiver Earl Bennett had scored a touchdown to narrow the lead to six and create the potential for a shocking upset. He ran for two first downs and the Gators were able to kneel it out from there.

Like most of the rest of the country, Johnson's a believer now. Tebow's had his way with the Vanderbilt secondary the past two seasons in blowout victories, a 49-22 decision in 2007 and a 42-14 win in Nashville last year.

"After that, he just kept doing great things after great things," Johnson said. "Last year he was just lights out against us, and everybody else of course."

In his two games starting against Vanderbilt, Tebow has completed 34-44 passes for 452 yards, six touchdowns and one interception.

The big runner has become a big thrower too, and he's got more than a few weapons at his disposal that will create mismatches all over the place for the Commodore defense.

Vanderbilt's defensive backs have been ranked among the best in the SEC the last few seasons, but Tebow's got their and many other team's numbers.

"He's above and beyond most players I've ever seen," Johnson said.