NEW YORK — Tim Tebow, Florida’s record-setting quarterback, became the first sophomore ever and the third Florida quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy Saturday night in ceremonies at the Nokia Theater. Tebow outdistanced Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Missouri quarterback Chase Danie and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan to win the 73rd annual award.
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Tebow, who led Florida to a 9-3 record and a berth in the Capital One Bowl opposite Michigan, became the first quarterback in NCAA history in 2007 to run for 20 touchdowns and pass for 20 touchdowns in the same season. Tebow’s remarkable season included 22 rushing touchdowns, which ties the all-time single season NCAA record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, and 29 passing touchdowns.
The 51 combined touchdowns is the best ever for a Heisman winner, breaking the previous record of 49 by Houston’s Andre Ware in his Heisman Trophy season of 1989.
Tebow rushed for 838 yards and passed for 3,132 yards. His led the SEC and ranked second nationally in passing efficiency (177.85), which is the best passing efficiency mark for a Heisman Trophy winner.
Tebow has a streak of 13 games in which he has run for at least one touchdown and passed for at least one. That streak stretches back to the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game in Glendale, Arizona back in January.
Tebow led the Southeastern Conference in total offense (330.8 yards per game) and in passing percentage (68.5 percent).
His 22 touchdowns are the single-season school record for touchdowns. Tebow has rushed for 30 touchdowns in his career. Emmitt Smith holds the Florida career record with 36.
Tebow was selected to ESPN The Magazine’s Academic All-American Team and he was the first team quarterback for the Walter Camp All-American Team.
Earlier this week, Tebow was selected as the winner of the Davey O’Brien Award (best quarterback in the country) and the Maxwell Award (best overall college football player).