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Friday, March 29, 2024

Heisman finalists split postseason awards; Tebow stays quiet on his vote

NEW YORK - The race to the Heisman Trophy is coming down to the final stretch, but there is no clear-cut winner.

For the three finalists - UF quarterback Tim Tebow, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy - that makes this weekend a little more interesting.

The three have split the awards leading up to the Heisman presentation Saturday night.

Tebow won his second straight Maxwell Trophy on Thursday night, beating out McCoy and Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell for the award given to the best all-around player. Tebow became just the second player to win the Maxwell twice, joining Notre Dame quarterback Johnny Latter who won it in 1952-53.

Tebow also won Disney's Spirit Award for his off-the-field actions.

McCoy, however, has won the Walter Camp Player of the Year trophy. Bradford took home the Davey O'Brien award, given to the nation's top quarterback.

All three players are doing their best to relax despite the suspense.

It is McCoy's first trip to the city, and Bradford admitted kids grow up dreaming of being here.

"Every kid does the Heisman pose at least once," Bradford said.

For Tebow, on the other hand, this weekend is nice but similar, having won the award last year.

UF's junior quarterback will have the chance Saturday to join Ohio State running back Archie Griffin as the only two-time Heisman winners.

As a former winner, Tebow does have one advantage over the other finalists: he has one of the 926 Heisman votes.

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Bradford and McCoy said they would have no problem with Tebow voting for himself.

But Tebow has decided not to disclose his vote and gave no hints of what direction he was leaning. He did admit there was some pressure from teammates to put his own name tops on the ballot.

"I just think that's probably best and probably the easiest too," Tebow said of not revealing his vote. "I wanted to be fair to all of (the candidates)."

There is one big difference for Tebow of course this year - a chance for a national championship awaits on Jan. 8.

"No matter what happens tomorrow, there's a lot to focus on and a lot to still work for because our big goals are still out there," Tebow said. "That's more important than tomorrow night."

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