With Tim Tebow returning to Florida for his senior season, it’s time for the Georgia football team to invoke the infamous words of major league pitcher Pedro Martinez.

“[We] just have to tip [our] cap to the [Gators] and call them [our] daddy.”

That is exactly what the Gators have become. When Urban Meyer was hired at Florida, he set out to field the fastest team in America. Not only did he excel in that aspect, but he also fielded the best team in America.

Tebow undoubtedly will go down as the greatest quarterback in NCAA history. He has more than a legitimate opportunity to win two Heisman Trophies and three National Championships, a feat that dwarfs all previous accomplishments.

He plays the game with an insatiable passion and desire to destroy all that lies in his path. When angered or embarrassed he strikes with the force of an F-5 tornado. If you need proof of that, just look back on what Tebow did on Nov. 1 against Georgia in Jacksonville. As much as it sickens me to see Tebow and Co. hoist their second crystal football in three seasons, and well-poised to raise a third, I cannot find a reason to hate him – other than the fact he attends Florida, but that is too petty.

In a time when more-superstars-than-not spurn the media and sometimes the fans, Tebow is the polar opposite. He understands what it means to be a role model, and he backs it up. He lets his actions speak for themselves.

He is my last hope in athletes.

I can’t even be cynical at this point.

If, one day, Tebow is ever arrested for anything, I honestly won’t know what do to.

He passed up the NFL draft and millions of dollars to stay in school and get a degree. He understands that football gives him a pedestal upon which to preach, and he does.

And much has been made of his mission trip last summer to circumcise children in the Philippines. How many high-profile athletes do you know who would do that?

Not many.

Next season, the Gators return all but two starters and add a bevy of five-star recruits to their already potent lineup. Georgia loses its two best players and leaves behind more question marks than answers.

At the beginning of this past season, everyone wondered if Florida’s defense could rise to the occasion. That question was officially put to bed when Florida held Oklahoma’s offense, which scored 60 in five straight games, to 14 in the BCS National Championship.

Next season, all that Georgia fans can hope is that their daddy doesn’t beat them too badly.

- Michael Fitzpatrick is a sports writer for The Red & Black.