Tim Tebow -- the game-winning, Christian-espousing quarterback -- has the appeal to endorse a bunch of things: So why not a presidential candidate?

Apparently some of GOP hopefuls are after the Heisman Trophy winner, whose statue is next to one of South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier outside the University of Florida's football stadium.

"I think you have to have so much trust in who you support, just from product endorsements to endorsing a candidate, because if that person or company does something (bad), it reflects on you," Tebow told the Associated Press.

USA Today guesses one them was Rick Perry, who compared himself to Tebow at an Iowa debate in December.

"It's obviously not just Tebow's good behavior off the field and surprising performance on it that is enticing to candidates in the GOP race," USA Today columnist Christine Brennan wrote. "It's his religion, of course, and how he wears it on his sleeve, not to mention his knee."

A Tebow endorsement might not be a big hit in a state littered with Gamecock fans.

While at Florida, Tebow threw for 676 yards, rushed for 185 more and accounted for 12 touchdowns in three wins that he started against the University of South Carolina.

That's a lot of forgiveness to ask for.

Give your endorsement by following The State's SC presidential primary news feed on Twitter: @SCPrimary2012