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Tebow Named Top QB, Player Of The Year

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By ANDY STAPLES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 7, 2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA - On the red carpet Thursday night, University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow mugged for the cameras, signed autographs, interviewed Oregon counterpart Dennis Dixon, and, in the grand tradition of red-carpet walkers, told everyone where he got his suit.

"Jim Tatum, Jacksonville," Tebow said, plugging a purveyor of formalwear in his hometown.

Then, Tebow walked inside Disney's Atlantic Dance Hall and won college football's equivalent of the Golden Globe at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards. Shortly after becoming the first sophomore to win the Davy O'Brien Award (nation's top quarterback), Tebow accepted the Maxwell Award, which goes to the nation's top player. So does that mean Tebow is a lock to win the Heisman Trophy, college football's equivalent of the Academy Award?

Not necessarily.

While Florida's only other Maxwell winner, quarterback Danny Wuerffel (1996), went on to win the Heisman, no Maxwell winner has collected the iconic, stiff-arming trophy since Wisconsin tailback Ron Dayne in 1999. In fact, only 15 of the past 30 Maxwell winners also have won the Heisman.

"Who knows?" Tebow said when asked if he thought his Maxwell win might foreshadow a Heisman win. "Lord willing, we'll go home with another."

Tebow said he didn't consider awards at all while accounting for 51 touchdowns (29 passing, 22 rushing) this season. He also tried not to worry about the results Thursday.

"Coming into it, I really just wanted to have fun and not worry about whether I won or lost the awards," Tebow said. "I wanted to remember the experience, and it's been a great experience. It'll be even a little better with these trophies. I'm just thankful. It's a huge honor."

Tebow beat out Dixon and Missouri's Chase Daniel for the O'Brien. He beat out Dixon and Arkansas junior tailback Darren McFadden for the Maxwell.

McFadden, who Thursday won his second consecutive Doak Walker Award (nation's best running back), will join Tebow in New York for the Heisman ceremony. McFadden finished second last year to Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, and he is considered Tebow's main competition for the Heisman.

"I feel like I have a good chance this year," McFadden said. "Last year, I didn't come into the Heisman scene until late in the season. I feel like I've been around all year this year. I like my chances a little better."

A few minutes later, Tebow stood in the same spot saying his thanks for the Maxwell. After he finished his interview, he hugged Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen. The pair then headed toward the exit.

"What's next?" Mullen asked.

Reporter Andy Staples can be reached at (352) 262-3719 or astaples@tampatrib.com.

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