The Southeastern Conference is relying on Tim Tebow's help once again.

College football's premiere conference and ESPN are almost six months away from debuting the SEC Network.

Though television executives are still discussing with cable providers for desirable channel space so that fans can view the network, those who lead programming operations are working on making a splash when it debuts on Aug. 21 with a substantial dose of football and Tebow.

"We've focused on football early on because it's the first thing that's going to debut on the network," said Justin Connolly, who is the senior vice president for programming at ESPN.

The preparation includes looking for the right mix of on-air talent and experts for the network's studio shows.

The network hired the ex-Florida Gators quarterback in December as a college football analyst for "SEC Nation," joining ESPN's Joe Tessitore, who will host the pregame show for the network's live football coverage. Connolly revealed while the lineup is still being set, it is possible ESPN commentator and veteran SEC radio host Paul Finebaum will be involved in the show. Finebaum spent the past season as a regular contributor to ESPN's College GameDay coverage.

Tebow's performance as a guest expert during the BCS National Championship Game in January drew excellent reviews, making it clear the network he could make the switch from playing the game to discussing it frequently on television.

"The guy lives up to every bit of hyperbole that has ever been thrown out in terms of his work ethic," said Connolly in an Orlando Sentinel report.

Connolly added that Tebow would request for as much film of both Auburn and Florida State to study prior to going on air.

"He is methodical and dedicated in his preparations. Purely from a contributions standpoint, we feel very comfortable, very early here that he is going to be a difference maker," said Connolly in an Orlando Sentinel report.

"Our guys who handle security when our talent goes on the road actually noted, 'Hey, we haven't seen anything like this before and we may want to think about how we make sure the guy can get from Point A to Point B so that he's on time when you start the show,'" said Connolly in the Orlando Sentinel report adding. "So there are little things like that are unique to Tim Tebow."

Those worries will need to be dealt before the "SEC Nation" arrives to Columbia, S.C., on Aug. 28 before the network's season-opener game between Texas A&M and South Carolina. It's the first of a doubleheader, with the second contest featuring Temple at Vanderbilt.

Previously, the former Denver Broncos and New York Jets athlete was cut by the New England Patriots during the 2013 NFL preseason and did not find a new squad during the regular season.

After being released by the Patriots, Tebow made his intentions known that he has an unrelenting yearning to return to the National Football League as a starting quarterback.

Tebow's new ESPN contract would not prevent him from returning to the NFL, according to a previous ESPN announcement.