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State Players Flex Muscle As All-Americans

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By ANDY STAPLES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2007

Updated: 12/12/2007 12:12 am

GAINESVILLE - A weary Tim Tebow arrived home Tuesday, ready to return to practice after three days in New York.

"They call it the city that doesn't sleep," the University of Florida quarterback said. "And after that weekend, I believe them."

But before the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner could get back to work, he had to collect one more honor.

Tebow was named a first-team All-American by The Associated Press on Tuesday. He was joined by University of South Florida defensive end George Selvie, who led the nation in tackles for loss this season. University of Central Florida tailback Kevin Smith, who led the nation with 2,448 yards and 30 touchdowns, also made the first team. USF linebacker Ben Moffitt and cornerback Michael Jenkins were named to the third team, as was Miami safety Kenny Phillips.

But of all those players listed, it's unlikely any except Tebow received a congratulatory fax from a man alleged to have counted to infinity - twice.

"Chuck Norris wrote me a really nice letter," Tebow said Tuesday. "Honestly."

Norris and Tebow became intertwined this season when Tebow fans co-opted a set of Bunyanesque legends originally written about the "Delta Force" star and exercise equipment pitchman. "Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas" became "Superman wears Tim Tebow pajamas."

Tebow also received a congratulatory message from Gov. Charlie Crist, who has not roundhouse-kicked anyone on film. He also hobnobbed Monday night with fellow Heisman winners Herschel Walker and Steve Spurrier at a black-tie dinner. Despite the accolades, Tebow said he doesn't consider himself any different than the guy who boarded a JetBlue flight from Orlando to New York last Friday.

"I'm still the same person," he said.

Meanwhile, USF coach Jim Leavitt said Tuesday that the honors Selvie has hauled away this month have not affected the sophomore's practice habits one bit. Selvie blasted onto the national scene this season with 31.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks.

This most recent honor makes Selvie a pioneer. He is the first Bull named a first-team All-American by the AP. Even before his selection by the AP, Selvie had earned enough points to become the first Bull selected to the NCAA's consensus All-America team.

About an hour up Interstate 4, Smith's selection helped soothe some of the feelings hurt when he wasn't given more consideration for the Heisman. Smith joined two-time Heisman runner-up Darren McFadden of Arkansas in the AP first-team backfield.

"I am very happy for Kevin," UCF coach George O'Leary said. "From the first game to the 13th game this season, his attitude has stayed the same. It is reassuring to see guys like Kevin, who are not me guys, but are the consummate team players."

Tribune correspondent Gregg Becnel contributed to this report. Reporter Andy Staples can be

reached at (352) 262-3719

or astaples@tampatrib.com.

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