Tebow nabs 2 awards prior to Heisman day

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Tim Tebow stopped off in central Florida on Wednesday on the way to the Heisman Trophy presentation and picked up the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien awards.

The Florida quarterback beat out fellow Heisman finalist Darren McFadden of Arkansas and Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon for the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's best all-round player, at the college football awards show held at the Walt Disney World Resort.

"I just want to thank my teammates and all the seniors back in Gainesville," Tebow said. "I'm just glad to be a Gator."

Tebow, the first player in major college football to run for at least 20 touchdowns and throw for at least 20, is considered the favorite for the Heisman and is trying to become the first underclassmen to win the award.

The Maxwell used to be considered a good barometer for predicting who would win the Heisman, but none of the last seven Maxwell winners have gone on to win college football's most prestigious individual award.

Notre Dame quarterback Brady zQuinn won the Maxwell last season and finished third in the Heisman voting behind Ohio State's Troy Smith and McFadden.

The other Heisman finalists who will be in New York on Saturday for the award ceremony are Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan.

Tebow beat out Daniel and Dixon for the O'Brien award, given to the nation's top quarterback.

McFadden won the Doak Walker Award for best running back for the second consecutive season. Ricky Williams of Texas was the last player to win back-to-back Walker awards in 1997-98.