Bill Belichick won't commit to Tim Tebow as quarterback

Staff report | USA TODAY Sports

With the questions about Aaron Hernandez out of the way, at least for now, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked Friday about the other big media topic revolving around his team: Tim Tebow.

Belichick wouldn't say that Tebow will play only quarterback – if he makes the team.

"I think we'll use Tim wherever we feel like is best for the team," Belichick said. "I know that's what he's committed to doing as well, whatever that is."

Tebow's first camp practice with Pats was bolstered by multitasking intrigue. In addition to snaps at QB, he took some reps as a receiving target -- providing a glimpse of potential work as utilityman.

"I just do whatever I'm told," Tebow said after practice. "I'll work as hard as I possibly can to do the best job that I can with whatever I'm asked to do."

He took snaps at quarterback Friday (and threw two interceptions) and also took a few reps as a pass-catching target in individual receiving drills. But in actual formations, Tebow never lined up at any position other than quarterback.

Before arriving in New England, Tebow had made it clear that he still sees himself as an NFL quarterback, even though the Patriots could be his last shot at sticking in the league. When the Jets benched Mark Sanchez last season and started third-stringer Greg McElroy, Tebow was visibly shaken. While he agreed to the Jets' failed wildcat and punt-protector roles, he still expected to start when and if Sanchez failed.

After the Jets released him in the offseason, Tebow received one offer, from the Patriots – no guaranteed money and, apparently, no guarantees he could ever play quarterback, either, not that there are a lot of snaps available as a backup to Tom Brady.

Belichick said he likes what he has seen from Tebow in the weight room, anyway.

"He's got a great work ethic," Belichick said.