Tim Tebow is ready for an encore.
The mere thought that the Nease standout quarterback could be better than last season is enough to send opposing defensive coordinators into insomniac mode.
Last season, Tebow was a green rookie behind center.
A converted linebacker who was only a sophomore.
More than 3,000 total yards and a staggering 36 touchdowns later, Tebow had established himself as the premier talent in St. Johns County.
His impressive season led to Player of the Year honors.
Now, he's back.
Bigger. Faster. Smarter. Stronger.
"I'm pumped about the new season," Tebow said. "I can't wait for it to start. Every night I've been thinking about that first game. The whole team has worked so hard this offseason, and we're going to work hard and put it on some boys."
The mental approach to the game is where Tebow's improvement likely will be the most dramatic.
With a year in the offense, Tebow can turn his attention from mastering the play book to honing in on the defense.
"I've worked on making better reads and making quicker reads," Tebow said. "I've focused on learning the defense and coverage schemes better. My pre-snap reads are better, and I'm able to find the open receiver quicker. That's what will take my game to the next level."
Physically, Tebow has continued to blossom.
Despite having to recuperate from a broken leg suffered late last season, Tebow shows no signs of weakness.
"I've worked out really hard and actually got up to 230 pounds when I couldn't run because of my leg," Tebow said.
"Now, I'm 100 percent healed. I'm back down at 225, and I feel more comfortable. Maybe I'll throw off a few more defenders this year."
Tebow ran for 809 yards last season and 18 touchdowns.
However, his season-long aerial assault was the main weapon for Nease's offense.
Throwing for 2,194 yards and 18 touchdowns, Tebow was constantly shredding secondaries.
This season, Nease will need to break in a new crop of receivers after losing University of Alabama signee and All-County selection Will Oakley.
The new wideouts are unproven, but Tebow is confident Nease's fastbreak attack won't suffer.
"We will miss Will a lot, but we will have guys step up," Tebow said. "We may not have that one extreme receiver, but I think we'll have a better group. We'll have four go-to guys and it'll be a lot of fun."
Tebow will still have a year of eligibility remaining with the Panthers after this season.
However, college coaches are already lining up in hopes of gaining Tebow's services.
"He's getting a lot of attention from a lot of schools," Nease coach Craig Howard said. "I tell them though they are going to have to wait. I have him for two more years."
Tebow's list of favorite college destinations is a slice of the truly elite.
"My dream schools would be Florida, Miami, Georgia, Tennessee and Oklahoma," Tebow said. "All those schools have started to show interest and have been talking with me."
Tebow has already had conversations with the head man down in Gainesville -- Florida coach Ron Zook.
"I've talked with him a few times," Tebow said. "I like him. He's a real nice guy. I'll be down there this season to see a few games."
As thrilling as it is, the recruiting scene can wait for Tebow.
His goals are clear. His focus unwavering.
"It's exciting to hear from the colleges and get letters, but my concentration is on the season," Tebow said. "I worry about what I have to do for us to be successful and win a state championship. The main thing for me is to stay humble and not look too far ahead."
Nease begins practice Aug. 9 and opens the season Sept. 3 at Fernandina Beach.
