One of these days, the University of Hawai'i football team may ask big things of young Steele Jantz.

For the moment, though, it has sought merely the impossible.

Jantz, a true freshman quarterback from Nevada, has been tasked with playing the ultimate role of this or any UH fall camp, that of stand-in for Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow of Florida.

In practice, Jantz has worn a specially made No. 15 jersey — complete with "Tebow" lettered across the back — to provide the UH defense with a "look" at Tebow — or a hoped-for facsimile — in preparation for Saturday's season opener.

He has attempted to go into character, studying the mannerisms and attributes of his subject, which is quite an assignments considering Gators coach Urban Meyer has termed Tebow, "the greatest (college) player of our era."

Now, roll that thought around for a while. More talented than Vince Young? Better than Reggie Bush? Able to take over a game better than Michael Vick?

Tebow, who won the Heisman as a sophomore last season, has burst upon the scene as quite a sensation, someone able to run over linebackers in midfield and fire strikes downfield off play action.

At 6 feet 4 and 240 pounds, Tebow might even be, as South Carolina coach and once-upon-a-time Gator Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier has asserted, a prototype of the quarterback of the future.

In Florida, he is the face of Gator football, every bit as recognizable as the orange, blue and green Gator logo. As mobbed as a rock star.

To be sure he is an exceptionally well-rounded person of remarkable depth for a 20-year-old, assisting missionary parents in Croatia, the Philippines and Thailand in the off-season. Doing prison ministry work. Posing for Men's Health Magazine.

Tebow has inspired a cult following. So attached to him are folks that when June Jones termed Tebow a "system quarterback" the message boards sizzled. It couldn't have been more disparaging, in their eyes, had Jones taken a shot at Mother Teresa.

In Tebow they trust and this season they are counting on him to deliver a Southeastern Conference and a national championship. After a 9-4 season in 2007, they are talking unbeaten and Bowl Championship Series title game, in which Saturday's opener is but the first step.

So, yes, you could say Jantz has had his work cut out for him.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.