Seniors get emotional sendoff

Florida closed out its final practice of the 2007 season with its traditional senior tackle ritual.

At the conclusion of Sunday's practice, each senior, his position coach and a teammate closest to him, gave a short speech about what it's meant to be a part of the Gators' team and what that player has meant to those around him.

The ritual was started when Meyer arrived three years ago, and has become a favorite among the players.

Meyer said Sunday, as always, the ceremony was very emotional.

" It's always a hard thing, especially if they are really invested guys,'' Meyer said. "And we obviously have some.''

Meyer said all the seniors were good this year, and admitted there were some tears shed.

"Of course there were,'' he said with a smile. "It’s all private though.''

Player gives bowl gift to charity

Redshirt sophomore receiver/special teams player Joey Sorrentino used his $400 Best Buy gift card the players received from the Capital One Bowl to purchase a Nintendo.

Then he donated it to the local children’s hospital.
 

“That’s Joey Sorrentino,’’ Meyer said. “He also gives us every bit of effort. . . They say the soul of a man? He’s got a good soul. He’s a good man. That don’t surprise me. That’s the kind of guy he is.’’

Meyer: No interest in Atlanta Falcons

ORLANDO - Despite reports that he's a potential candidate to replace Bobby Petrino as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Florida coach Urban Meyer said he has no interest in the job.

“Falcons job?’’ Meyer responded when asked. “No, they haven’t called.’’

Meyer has often said he isn't interested in professional football, saying his passion is for the college game. On Sunday, he said that hasn’t changed.

“I’m really happy where I’m at,’’ he said. “I’ll give you the coach 101 speech, but mine is from the heart.’’

Fans asked to wear orange for Capital One Bowl

Florida officials are asking Gator fans to arrive early and wear orange for the Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl game against Michigan.

The game kicks off at 1 p.m. in front of a nationally-televised audience and sold-out stadium.

If you're going to the game, here's a bonus, well sort of. Fans may have the opportunity to get their  picture taken with the Heisman Trophy at the following Capital One Bowl events:

Sunday, Dec. 30:  Gator Pep Rally located at the Bowl-a-Palooza FanFest inside of the Orange County Convention Center.

Monday, Dec. 31: Capital One Bowl Kickoff Luncheon located at the Renaissance Orlando Resort

Tuesday, Jan. 1: Capital One FanFest prior to the game.

This year's Capital One Bowl features two teams which have had three Heisman recipients each.

Tate Casey may receive medical redshirt

Senior tight end Tate Casey has applied for a medical redshirt and is awaiting word on whether it will be granted.

Casey has played in 40 games, starting 12, but only saw action in the Western Kentucky game this season.  He had surgery on his right shoulder last week and has also battled a high ankle sprain.

" He can graduate right now, but he's going to try to double major and come back next year,'' UF coach Urban Meyer said. "He just had elbow surgery. He had the high ankle sprain and the elbow issue during the season, so he couldn't play.''

Although Casey's best seasons were prior to Meyer's arrival, Meyer said he would welcome Casey back.

  “Tate's a great guy,’’ Meyer said. “He's not been a great player, yet, for a lot of reasons. One was size. One was strength. The other was injuries. Hopefully he can overcome that and become a great player.''

Tebow honored at Jaguars game

JACKSONVILLE - The Tim Tebow state tour continues.

One week after he received a stnading ovation at a Bucs football game, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow was at another NFL stadium getting recognized.

Tebow returned ot his hometown of Jacksonville Sunday, where he was honored at halftime of the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders for becoming the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. Tebow was joined by his family and received another rousing ovation from his hometown and Jaguars fans.

UF to limit Tebow autograph signings

The days of stading in a crowd outside of Florida football practices waiting for Tim Tebow to autograph a personal item are coming to an end.

The University Athletic Association has requested that Tebow stop signing autographs following practice. All season long fans have innundated the sophomore quarterback with requests following team practices. But since he won the Heisman on Dec. 8, it has gotten nearly out of hand.

"With Tim Tebow winning the 2007 Heisman Trophy, Tim has been inundated with requests for autographs,'' the UAA said in a statement.  "The UAA has asked Tim not to fulfill these autograph requests due to their overwhelming number, which compromises his ability to handle his rigorous schedule as a successful student-athlete.''

In an effort to still allow fans to have a Tebow autographed item, the UAA has produced a signed poster commemorating Tim winning the Heisman Trophy. The poster is free and will be available to the general public beginning mid January 2008, however the UAA is asking that it not be sold. 

Gators get two junior college transfers

The first members of Florida's 2008 class are two junior college transfers who'll be on campus when spring semester begins.

On Wednesday Florida received letters of intent from wide receiver Carl Moore and defensive tackle Troy Epps.

Moore is a 6-foot-4, 220 pound receiver from Cordova/Sierra Community College, and is considTheered one of the most sought -after JC transfers in the nation. He had 73 receptions for 1,068 yards and tied for fourth in total points scored on the team. He was sixth in receptions in the California junior college system. He was a five-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com, considered the No. 2 junior college player.

Epps (6-1, 280) fills a critical need for the Gators, who by the end of the season were using two freshman at defensive tackle, including a converted center. He is a junior college All-American who started for Coffeyville Community College for two years. He was a first-team all-conference selection. This past season, he had 62 tackles, forced five fumbles, five sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

Both will be on campus in two weeks and UF coach Urban Meyer said he expects both to play right away.

"They have to,'' Meyer said. "We’re not going to go to California to get somebody who’s going to watch. Same thing with defensive tackle. Defensive tackle is one of our biggest areas of concern. When you have to move your backup center over and you’ve got two freshman, that tells you how much it’s a concern. Lawrence Marsh has had some great practices, but Troy Epps will give us some instant depth.''

Meyer said as a rule, he's not a big believer in recruiting junior college players, but he will when necessary.

"We don't really junior college recruit here,'' he said. "We'll hand pick a couple. Defensive tackle, we had no choice and the high school choices were few and far between when you do the grades involved. But receiver, we'll always every year take a peak at the best receiver in America and I think we'll be right in the middle of it. He (Moore) was the name that kept showing up when we started doing evaluations. He's a hell of a player, by the way. If you haven't seen highlight tape, you ought to see him.''

   

Holliday: No word on West Virginia job

Florida associate head coach John "Doc'' Holliday said Wednesday he has interviewed for the vacant head coaching position at West Virginia, but he has no idea what the status is at this point.

"To be honest with you, I haven’t heard from anybody up there,'' Holliday said Wednesday. "I haven’t gotten a call from them. I haven’t heard from anyone up there. I went up and talked to them and that’s about the extent of it. I’ve known those guys for a long time and I had a little chance to go up and spend a little time with them. We’ll see. I have no idea.''

Holliday coached at WVU from 1979-99, reaching the status of associate head coach. He left in 2000 for five years at N.C. State before coming to Florida in 2005 when Meyer was hired. In addition to being associate head coach at UF, Holliday is in charge of the Gator safeties and is the lead recruiter in south Florida.

"I spent 25 years at that university, it’s a special place,'' Holliday said. "The people up there are special and there’s nothing like going home.''

Charges against Cunningham to be dismissed

The Gainesville State Attorney's office has begun proceedings to have the misdemeanor battery charge against starting defensive end Jermaine Cunningham dismissed.

Cunningham was arrested two weeks ago and accused of throwing empty soda cups and a sandwich at an employee at Jimmy John's gourmet sandwich shop in Gainesville in the early morning hours.

But on Wednesday, state attorney Bill Cervone said the alleged victim has testified that Cunningham wasn't involved in the incident, saying Cunningham "didn't do anything.''

Pending charges against former UF linebacker Jonathan Demps and former LSU wide receiver and Olympic hopeful Xavier Carter, who were allegedly involved in the incident, remain.

The decision to drop the charges isn't surprising, since UF coach Urban Meyer said after Tuesday's practice he expected Cunningham to play in the Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl.

Cunningham has started every game this season and is tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks.

Florida coach Urban Meyer said Cunningham is still being punished internally.

"I heard Jermaine’s story and Jermaine’s story bordered on being ridiculous,'' Meyer said. "It was not very smart. We handled it internally and he’ll play in the game, but he’s still paying a price as we speak. Every morning he’s involved in things, there are bowl gifts and things that he won’t have privileges like all the other players.''

Jermaine A. Cunningham

Director of football operations to leave

Troy Starr, UF's director of football operations, is leaving the program after one year to get back in coaching. Starr had a record of 139-36-1 at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, Calif., prior to coming to Gainesville.

Meyer has a distinctive idea of what he'll look for in Starr's replacement.

"It's year-round recruiting now,'' Meyer said of what he'll look for in Starr's replacement. "It's year-round when a guy visits, it's year-round organization and you better cross every 'T' and dot every 'I' nowadays when you can call, when you can't call, when you can do this, when you can't. So he's got to have a lot of knowledge but I think most importantly is the ability to relate to people when they come visit our campus because he gives you tours. He's the guy that sets up a lot of dinners and those types of things.''

Starr's decision to leave didn’t surprise Meyer.

"He's a coach,'' Meyer said. "He's not a guy sitting in an office. I just like the coach's mentality. I want to get a coach mentality in that position.''

Riley Cooper could miss bowl game; top recruit commits

Sophomore receiver Riley Cooper is still struggling with a broken finger and may not play in the Capital One Bowl, coach Urban Meyer said.

In other injury news: Linebacker A.J. Jones, a former Middleton standout, will undergo surgery on his wrist following the bowl game. He injured it earlier this year.

Defensive lineman Mike Pouncey has a "dinged'' shoulder, but Meyer said he should be fine for the bowl.

Sam Robey, the son of former Kentucky and NBA player Rick Robey, announced Tuesday he will sign with the Gators in February to play football. Robey, 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, will play center at UF.

Cunningham most likely will play in Capital One Bowl

Starting defensive end Jermaine Cunningham, who was arrested along with ex-Gator Jon Demps after an altercation with an employee at a Gainesville restaurant two weeks ago, is expected to play in the Capital One Bowl game.

Cunningham and Demps were charged with battery, but the State Attorney's office has not announced its decision on whether it pursue charges.

"We're still waiting to find out the legal part of it,'' UF coach Urban Meyer said. "But I anticipate he will play.''

Holliday possibly headed to West Virginia

Florida may be losing one of its top assistants.

Associate head coach John "Doc'' Holliday is a leading candidate to become the new head football coach at West Virginia University, a position vacated by Rich Rodriguez when he took the head coaching job at Michigan.

Rodriguez replaces Lloyd Carr, who is retiring after the Jan. 1 Michigan-Florida game in the Capital One Bowl.

Following Tuesday afternoon's practice, Florida coach Urban Meyer confirmed that Holliday is a candidate for the West Virgina job, but wouldn't elaborate, saying "that's not my business.'' 

However, he did say Holliday is a great coach.

Holliday coached at WVU 1979-99, reaching the status of associate head coach. He left in 2000 for five years at N.C. State before coming to Florida in 2005 when Meyer was hired. In addition to being associate head coach at UF, Holliday is in charge of the Gator safeties and is the lead recruiter in south Florida.

Tim Tebow is AP Player of the Year

Just when you think the guy can't get any more awards - or attention . . . Tim Tebow gets more of both.

Nearly two weeks after becoming the first freshman or sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy,  Tebow was named the Associated Press Player of the Year on Tuesday.

Tebow received 31 of a possible 58 votes from AP poll voters. Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, the Heisman runner-up, received 19 votes, and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was third with four votes.

Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon received three votes and West Virginia quarterback Pat White received one vote.

Tebow became the first player in major college history to run for at least 20 touchdowns and throw 20 TD passes in the same season. He accounted for 51 touchdowns, including an SEC record 22 rushing, and set a school record with 3,970 yards of total offense.

Stamper injured in dual role

Linebacker Ryan Stamper was injured over the weekend as he prepared to play dual positions for the bowl game.

With the suspension of senior halfback Eric Rutledge, the Gators will rely on freshman tight end Aaron Hernandez, but still need a blocking back, which was Rutledge’s specialty. Stamper said he primarily was participating on inside drills, working at fullback.

“I hurt my ankle Saturday doing inside drills when they moved me to fullback,’’ Stamper said. “I came in on a block and a lineman just fell on it. I’ve been through treatment every day since then.’’

Stamper was wearing a boot on Monday, but said he could return to practice as early as Tuesday. 

UF turns down thousands of Capital One ticket requests

Due to an extremely high demand for tickets to the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, the Gator Ticket Office is being forced to refund nearly 11,500 tickets to its fans for the Jan. 1 game vs. Michigan.

Because the Gator Ticket Office has oversold its allotment of tickets, a priority point cut-off number has been established and the University Athletic Association has reserved the right to reduce/refund the number of tickets ordered by each season ticket holder. 

Tebow gets well wishes from President

The congratulatory letters, calls, and text messages keep coming for Tim Tebow after last Saturday's historic Heisman win.

Among them is President George W. Bush, who sent Tebow a hand-written letter.

It read:

Dear Tim,

Congratulations on winning the Heisman Trophy. More importantly, I appreciate your priorities as stated in your speech! Faith, family, academics and sport. If your mission was to allow the Almighty to shine brightly, it worked. I appreciate the love and pride that your parents obviously felt last night.
Please give them my best.

Sincerely,

George Bush

Tebow said he was honored by the letter.

“That was cool,’’ Tebow said. “He wrote me a really nice letter thanking me for having my priorities right and putting God first.’’

Tebow also received a text-message from his good friend and country music star Kenny Chesney.

Fourteen student-athletes to graduate this weekend

Eight football players are among 14 Gator student-athletes who are scheduled to participate in commencement ceremonies today and Saturday on the University of Florida campus.

The baseball, soccer and women’s swimming and diving programs each have two graduating student-athletes, while gymnastics, softball, women’s basketball, women’s tennis and men’s track and field each have one.

The atlhetes will be honored at a graduation luncheon at 11:15 a.m. Saturday in the Touchdown Terrace.

The 2007 Florida graduating senior student-athletes are: Chris Petrie (Baseball); Austin Pride (Baseball); Derek Baldry (football); Andre Caldwell (football); Markus Manson (football); Clint McMillan (football); Carlton Medder (football); Drew Miller (football); Moise Paul (football); Phil Trautwein (football); Chantelle Tousek (gymnastics); Steven Hassen (men’s track and field); Stacy Bishop (soccer); Daniela Sanchez (soccer); Lacy Howard (softball); Tammy Jackson (women's basketball); Brittany Johnson (women's swimming and diving); Laurie Moreau (women’s swimming and diving) and Alexis Gordon (women's tennis).

Eric Rutledge to miss Capital One Bowl

Senior starting fullback Eric Rutledge will not play when the Gators face Michigan on Jan. 1 in the Capital One Bowl.

The absence of Rutledge could be a serious blow to the Gators' run-blocking. The Gainesville native and former P.K. Yonge player, did not have any carries during the regular season, but is considered the Gators' top lead blocker.

School officials said Rutledge did not meet certain standards and criteria players are expected to adhere to.

Rutledge switched from linebacker to fullback in 2005 and has seen action in 36 games. His career has effectively ended because he is a senior.

UF practices hampered by injuries

With just nine scholarship players, Billy Donovan can't afford to lose any during practice. Which is why on Wednesday he was lamenting the situation the Gators find themselves in.

Freshman forward Alex Tyus has a bruised tailbone he suffered during a fall in practice and has not practiced in three days. Junior guard Walter Hodge has missed the past two days of practice with back spasms.

Both were expected to miss today's practice, UF coach Billy Donovan said.

"We're a little banged up,'' Donovan said. "So taking it (practice) from nine days to seven, it's probably limited us a little bit in all that I would have like to have gotten done. Practice from the players' perspective has been good, but there just hasn't been enough competition. When you've got seven (scholarship) guys, we've had to do a lot of 3-on-3- and 4-on-4.''

Drew Miller invited to play in East-West Shrine Game

Senior center Drew Miller has been invited to play in the 83rd annual East-West Shrine Game, which will be held Jan. 19 at Robertson Stadium at the University of Houston. The game will be televised live on ESPN2 at 6 p.m.

Miller was an All-SEC Honorable Mention selection by the Associated Press, and was the SEC lineman of the week for his efforts against Florida State; the UF offense compiled 541 yards of total offense. Miller  has started all 12 games after transferring from guard to center at the beginning of the season.

Miller was also an All-SEC second-team pick by Rivals.com.

Since 1925, the East-West Shrine Game has been played to help raise money and awareness for Shriners Hospitals for Children, an international network of 22 pediatric specialty hospitals that provide care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate - all at no charge. To date, the game has helped raise more than $14 million.

UF's three Heisman winners gather in New York

GAINESVILLE - Tim Tebow's whilrwind weekend included spending time with Florida's two other Heisman winners - Danny Wuerffel and Steve Spurrier.

"That was actually really cool, having the three of us together,'' Tebow said. "I actually did a few shows with Danny yesterday or Sunday. I don't remember which one. But we did them together and had a great time. Hanging out with Spurrier was fun, too.''

The Florida quarterback returned to Gainesville Tuesday, saying he was "pretty tired'' from the weekend Heisman festivities and ready to get back to his team and preparations for the Capital One Bowl.

Since becoming the first freshman or sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, Tebow has received congratulations from all kinds of people, including a message from Gov. Charlie Crist and a letter from Hollywood actor Chuck Norris.

"He just said congratulations, proud of you, all that stuff,'' Tebow said.

But aside from spending time with his entire family for the first time in nearly a year, Tebow was most excited about the time he spent with former Heisman winner Herschel Walker, whom Tebow found engaging and inspirational.

"Something I really got from him was he was saying how a lot of people have great intentions and great wishes, but (don't) actually get up and do something,'' Tebow said of Walker's message. "He's doing it to raise money for a charity. I thought that was great. A lot of people have great intentions for things, but to actually get up and work for it. That was something that was very motivating and cool."

For now, Tebow still isn't sure where he'll put his new Heisman Trophy. In fact, he's still trying to process the fact that he even won.

"To tell you the truth, it hasn't (sunk in yet),'' he said. "It is pretty surreal when you actually stop to think about it. It's pretty special."

Tebow named SI.com All-American

Fresh off the heels of his historic Heisman victory, Tim Tebow was named a first-team All-American by SI.com.

Also named to the team is Heisman runner-up and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden and UCF running back Kevin Smith.

Tebow returned to Gainesville Tuesday morning for the first time since becoming the first freshman or sophomore to win a Heisman Trophy.

Fayson to sign with Illinois

It's official: Jarred Fayson will transfer to Illinois.

The Florida sophomore receiver, who was given his release from the Gators last month, told the Times Monday he plans to sign with Illinois and enroll in January. Fayson, who will have to sit out a season, said while he will primarily play receiver, he will also get a chance to play quarterback, a position he thrived at for three years at Hillsborough High.

"It's a good style of offense," Fayson said. "I know their coaching staff pretty well -- it's a good fit for me."

Fayson visited Illinois two weeks ago, but also received interest from Clemson, West Virginia and South Florida. The former Terriers star played sparingly with the Gators, racking up 12 receptions and 19 rushes this past season. Fayson was rated the No.3 receiver in the nation by Scout.com out of high school, where he led the Terriers to an undefeated regular season and a region semifinal appearance in 2005.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Tebow wins Heisman Trophy

The history-making season contines for Tim Tebow.

The Florida quarterback became the first freshman or sophomore to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy in a nationally-televised ceremony Saturday night.

He won by just 254 votes.

Tebow received 1,957 points, while Arkansas running back Darren McFadden was second with 1,703 points. Colt Brennan of Hawaii had 632 and Missouri's Chase Daniel had 632.

Florida is the first SEC school to boast more than two Heisman winners, and the Gators now join Notre Dame as the only school to have more than two Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks.

Tebow wins Heisman

Florida's Tim Tebow became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy, beating out finalists Darren McFadden of Arkansas, Colt Brennan of Hawaii and Chase Daniel of Missouri. Tebow, the first player in NCAA history to both rush and pass for more than 20 touchdowns, finished the season with 51 overall.

"I love being a Gator," Tebow said, after thanking Jesus, his teammates and a litany of others. "I love Gator Nation, and whenI get back we're going to have some fun."

Tebow is the third Gators quarterback to win the award, joining Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel. McFadden was the runnerup for the second consecutive year.

Tebow named FWAA All-American

Tim Tebow picked up yet another honor Saturday, earning first-team All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America.

Tebow slideshow

Check out this Tim Tebow slideshow brought to you by the Times and tampabay.com.

Tebow calmly preparing for biggest night of his career

On the eve of Saturday night's Heisman Trophy Award ceremony, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow acknowledged he'd very much like to win the award, but insisted he'll be just fine if he doesn't.

  Tebow’s mood at the HIlton Hotel Friday evening was light, yet reflective. He talked about the ups and downs of the season, the disappointing losses, the excitement about the Gators' future and how he intends to stay two more years at Florida.

   He even got in on a few jokes.

  When he talked about his flight to New York, Tebow said he jokingly asked a JetBlue flight attendant, “Is this first class?’’ “She said, sir it’s all first class,’’ Tebow said, laughing.

  A reporter jokingly said Gator fans assumed since he’s Superman, he would fly himself to the ceremony.

  “I wish,’’ Tebow replied. “I would have got here a lot quicker and easier.’’

Tebow will be joined by his mother, father and all four siblings, including his oldest who is flying in from Bangladesh to be with Tim and the rest of the family.

  By the way, if you're wondering who Tebow would choose if he had a Heisman vote?

  Percy Harvin.

  "He's the most dynamic player in college football,'' Tebow said.

Tebow tabbed nation's best QB, player

It was a big night for Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.

Tebow on Thursday won both the 2007 Davey O'Brien Award and the Maxwell Award given to the nation's best quarterback and best all-around player, respectively.

He accpeted the awards live on ESPN on The Home Depot College Football Awards.

"It means a lot,'' Tebow said in a news conference after accepting the awards. "It’s a big honor. I’m thankful for it, that’s all I can say.''

Tebow will leave for New York Friday for the Heisman ceremony, which will be broadcast live on ESPN. Tebow joins quarterbacks Chase Daniel of Missouri and Colt Brennan of Hawaii and running back Darren McFadden of Arkansas as finalists.

Read recent Times stories about Tebow:

Tebow's hardware haul is special

Tebow is Heisman finalist

Tebow is a natural leader

Meyer puts in his plug for Tebow

(Pictured: Tebow accepts the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback at the Home Depot College Football Awards in Orlando on Thursday. AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

Tampa's A.J. Jones named to All-SEC Freshman team

  Former Middleton standout A.J. Jones is among four Florida players selected to the coaches SEC All-Freshman team, announced Thursday afternoon. It is the largest number of Gators on the all-rookie team since 2003, when the Gators had seven. Jones played in all 12 games this sesson, ranking eighth on the team in tackles with 33. He also saw time on special teams as a member of the kickoff team. He reached his career mark for tackles twice in 2007, with six tackles in the Auburn and Florida Atlantic contests. Jones earned 2 ½ tackles for loss and had his first career sack against South Carolina. Nine of the SEC teams are represented on the team. Auburn had a league-high six selections, Arkansas and Florida had three each. Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno was chosen Freshman of the Year. - Antonya English, Times staff writer

Antonya's Doak Walker vote

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is up for two awards at the Home Depot College Football Awards show tonight.

One of the awards being given out is the Doak Walker, for the nation's best running back.

I am a voter for this award and here is how my final ballot looked:

1. Darren McFadden

2. Mike Hart

3. Ray Rice

Jermaine Cunningham, ex-Gator Demps arrested

Starting defensive end Jermaine Cunningham, former Gator Jonathan Demps and former LSU football and track star Xavier Carter were all arrested early Wednesday morning after an altercation with an employee at a local sandwich shop at about 2:49 a.m.

The fight allegedly was over a bag of chips.

According to Gainesville Police Sgt. Art Adkins, an argument with the clerk broke out after the two were asked to pay for a bag of chips at Jimmy John's restaurant, 1724 W. University Ave.

"They became verbally abusive, struck the employee with empty soda cans and a sandwich, and then fled the store,'' Adkins said.

Carter and Cunningham were stopped by police across the street from campus, identified by the store employee, and arrested by GPD.

Demps was later stopped while walking on campus by a University Police Department officer, identified, and arrested.

All three were released on their own recognizance Wednesday morning, according to court records. All were ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim, and Carter was also ordered not to have contact with Demps or Cunningham.

Gators land eight on All-SEC team

Quarterback Tim Tebow and linebacker Brandon Spikes, both sophomores, were among eight Florida players named to the All-SEC team, tselected by the league's coaches and announced by the SEC office Tuesday afternoon.

Tebow and Spikes were both first-team selections.

Six other Gators were second-team selections, the most in the conference and a total which equals the program’s mark for most second-team accolades, matching the 2002 and 2006 seasons. The Gators' eight all-league picks were tied with Arkansas for the second-most in the SEC, trailing the 10 honorees from LSU.

Florida's second-team selections are: junior defensive end Derrick Harvey, sophomore wide receiver Percy Harvin,  junior tight end Cornelius Ingram, sophomore return specialist Brandon James, senior offensive lineman Carlton Medder and junior offensive lineman Jim Tartt.

Fayson visits Illinois

Former UF receiver/running back Jarred Fayson made a visit to Illinois this past weekend and is talking with coaches at both Clemson and West Virginia, according to his former high school coach Earl Garcia.

Fayson decided to transfer last week after two seasons at Florida.

Garcia said Fayson liked the Illinois program a lot, despite the fact it was around nine degrees and he had to wear a coat his entire visit.

A former Hillsborough quarterback, Fayson is possibly hoping to return to playing quarterback.

Ingram and Harvey petition NFL

Tight end Cornelius Ingram and defensive end Derrick Harvey have petitioned the NFL draft advisory committee to determine their potential status should they decide to leave school early.

The committee is made up of NFL officials, including scouts and general maangers.

The two submitted their paperwork with coach Urban Meyer's approval.

"I think it’s good,'' Meyer said. "I think the NFL actually does a pretty good job with it. All that means is they are going to get an evaluation of where they’re at.''

Meyer: Tebow deserves Heisman

GAINESVILLE  - Having spent the past weekend watching various Heisman candidates play, Urban Meyer said he knows for sure now that his quarterback, Tim Tebow, deserves to win the Heisman Trophy.

"I think Tim should win it,'' Meyer said. "I actually talked to those guys (ESPN analysts) a lot over the weekend and I don’t like to speak unless I have an opportunity to evaluate everything. I got to see guys play. And I never really looked at our statistics, but the money statistics are unbelievable this year: third downs, scoring drives – 55 percent of the time we score points. I’ve never heard of that before. 56 percent third downs and in efficiency (passing?) we’re No. 1 in America. So there’s a lot of things that point to it. And then the numbers, just the touchdowns. I have to believe he deserves to win that Heisman.''

The three finalists for the award will be announced at 6 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN.

Gators to face Michigan in Capital One Bowl

It's official.

Florida will play Michigan in the Capital One Bowl at 1 p.m. on New Year's Day.

It will be the final game for Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, who announced two weeks ago that he will retire at the end of the season.

"The Gators (9-3) won four consecutive games to end the season and were chosen ahead of Southeastern Conference Eastern Division champion Tennessee in the league’s bowl pecking order.

The Wolverines (8-4) could have secured a spot in the Rose Bowl by beating rival Ohio State two weeks, but they lost 14-3 and Carr announced his retirement the following day.

This is the bowl we wanted to be at,'' UF coach Urban Meyer said. "We had a staff meeting today and we're awful excited to go and play.''

Florida awaiting official bowl announcement

Florida officials have been informed by bowl personnel that there will be no official announcement concerning the Gators' bowl destination until after the 8 p.m. BCS show on Fox Sports.

The Gators are expected to accept an invitation to the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day, but whether their opponent will be Illinois or Michigan remains unclear.