Tim Tebow News Update: Ex Philadelphia Eagles Hopeful Backs Heisman Finalist Derrick Henry

Dec 12, 2015 12:00 PM EST

The Heisman Trophy is one of the most prestigious awards to ever be granted to a college football star. With a list of winners which includes Cam Newton, Barry Sanders and Sam Bradford, the excitement to crown the 2015 trophy holder is building by the minute. This year, three finalists are vying for the Heisman Trophy, namely, Derrick Henry of the University of Alabama; Christian McCaffrey of the Stanford University; and Deshaun Watson of the Clemson University. Both McCaffrey and Henry play the running back post for the Stanford Cardinal and Alabama Crimson Tide Football, respectively. Watson is the quarterback for the Clemson Tigers.

Weighing in on such a widely talked about close race is Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow. The football star, who snagged the award in 2007, is the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. At the time, Tebow had been playing for the Florida Gators football team. The said year saw the former Philadelphia Eagles hopeful beat Darren McFadden, Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel. Tebow is the third football star from the University of Florida to bring home the Heisman Trophy - the first two being Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel.

According to Tebow, Alabama's Henry has the competitive edge to bring home the trophy. The NFL hopeful based his prediction on the record-setting feat of the Clemson player, which saw Henry contribute 46 carries for a total of 271 yards. The said record was made during the 2015 Iron Bowl.

"One of the special things about Derrick is his ability to get back up and be the same player on the next play," Tebow said, according to AL.com. He added, referring to the Heisman finalist's stamina, "That Tuesday, after practice, he went in there and squatted 500 pounds. People don't just do that."

Tebow went to praise Henry and said, "He's a phenomenal player. He's had an unbelievable year. It's his work ethic and ability to get right back up and go just as hard the next play that makes him special."

Meanwhile, Henry shared with Alabama reporters that the Heisman event makes him nervous and anxious. He said, "It's nerve-racking. But at the same time, we're here to talk about what got you to this moment and who you're thankful for. So I don't think it'll be that hard speaking from the heart." Henry added, "It's big, exciteful. It's different from Alabama and Yulee, Fla., I mean, a small town. So I'm enjoying the time and thankful to be here."