1 » In a special to ESPN, Matt Winkeljohn takes a closer look at high school juniors Scottie Wilbekin and Matt Carlino skipping their senior seasons to (hopefully) join the Florida Gators and UCLA Bruins, respectively. Most importantly, Wilbekin’s father said that there is a “99 percent chance” of everything working out so he can enroll in the University of Florida next year. Nevertheless there is still “a lot [that] has to happen on our part” for it all to go down, according to Svend Wilbekin, including his son taking all necessary classes and receiving a high enough SAT score.

2 » After an hour interview with him on the radio, Alabama sports talk show host Paul Finebaum has declared former Gators offensive coordinator and current Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen “the future of college football.” What is interesting is that Finebaum cites Mullen’s youth, beautiful wife, attitude, demeanor and politics as the main reasons he will be a success rather than, you know, his football acumen. “He left me with my eyes wide open and shaking my head with admiration and respect,” Finebaum wrote. OGGOA wonders if he would have felt the same way if Mullen ended up becoming the top guy at Florida.

3 » Former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow’s No. 15 Denver Broncos jersey is flying off the shelves both in Denver, CO, and nationally. The jerseys are going so fast that, according to a Champs Sports outlet employee who spoke with Denver News, they are being put on display immediately when they arrive without price tags ($80 per) for expediting purposes. Stores are being so careful that Tebow’s jerseys – unlike others on the racks – are being attached with a heavy cable as to prevent shoplifting.

4 » Fans do not need to shoplift Tebow’s jersey in order to save a few bucks on it. They can just dust off the jersey of former Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (or purchase a new one for half-price or as little as $10) and bring it to embroiderer Daniella Grieve, who is removing Marshall’s name and replacing it with Tebow’s for customers. “[This idea] could turn into something big, and if not we have Tebow jerseys for our two little boys,” Grieve told CBS4 in Denver.

» Of course, if you wish to purchase Tebow’s real NFL jersey, you can grab it directly through OGGOA’s store! You can also visit our Gators-specific store here!

Tags: Brandon Marshall, Dan Mullen, Denver Broncos, Matt Carlino, Mississippi State Bulldogs, NFL, Scottie Wilbekin, Tim Tebow, UCLA Bruins, University of Florida

Now that he has survived his first minicamp with the Denver Broncos, former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow is, according to a radio show producer, back in Tennessee working out until the team reconvenes in a few weeks. To keep Tebowmania going throughout Colorado, he called in to two radio talk shows Tuesday morning, each interview having to be pushed back because of a personal workout.

With Gary and Vic of ESPN 1600 waiting for him to call in at 7:40 a.m. (MDT), his publicist moved him back to 8:30 a.m., eliciting the following joking banter from the hosts during the commercial break: “Jesus has him at 8:00, Mary Magdalene has him at 8:15, and he’s building an orphanage at 8:20.” Upon his call-in about an hour later, they told a producer off the air to “start a conversation with him…talk about rosary beads or something.” However, before he went back-and-forth with Gary and Vic, Tebow spoke to the guys with The Score on AM 1510 at 8:20 a.m.

After the break are some notable quotes from his two radio appearances:
Continue Reading » Tebow makes rounds on Denver radio Tuesday

Tags: Brady Quinn, combine, Denver Broncos, Draft, Jacksonville Jaguars, John Elway, Josh McDaniels, Kyle Orton, NFL, Pro Day, Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels loves working with quarterbacks. This was apparent during his time with the New England Patriots and even more so now that he selected former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

While some question whether or not Tebow can succeed as a prototypical NFL quarterback considering he used his legs so often in college, McDaniels is confident that he will be able to do just that, seeing his running ability simply as an added benefit.

“He will function from the pocket,” McDaniels explained to a few members of the media after the second day of Broncos minicamp on Saturday. “If he can do something out of the pocket, and he deserves to be on the field, that’s the biggest thing, then maybe that would warrant us doing other things. But he is going to get trained the exact same way the other guys are going to get trained.”

“We’re just trying to get good football players that can help our team. If he rushes for two touchdowns on a Sunday at some point in his career, great, that’s super. But that’s like if you have a [running] back who can catch passes out of the backfield and somebody else has a back who can’t catch passes. They’re not going to do the same thing, right?”

After two days of working Tebow out at Denver’s Dove Valley facility, McDaniels remains confident that the former Heisman Trophy winner is just as advertised, even mentioning that he was impressed with his ability to throw into the wind.

“He’s what we thought he was,” he said. “First of all, he’s a rookie. He’s made his share of mistakes out here. But his work ethic is what we thought it was.”

Considering McDaniels is as innovative as it gets when it comes to offensive play calling, fans should not be surprised to see Tebow on the field in 2010 during certain predetermined scenarios (short yardage pick-ups, goal line carries, etc.). However, it is important to note that those appearances will be indicative of Denver utilizing the abilities of a talented player, not them pigeon-holing him with a non-pocket passer role.

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Tags: Denver Broncos, Draft, Heisman Trophy, Josh McDaniels, NFL, Tim Tebow

Former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow made his debut as a professional with the Denver Broncos on Friday during the first day of the team’s rookie minicamp at its Dove Valley facility. He ran agility drills and threw about 20 passes to an equipment manager while head coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback coach Ben McDaniels (younger brother) looked on.

Local and national media watched every move the man in the orange No. 15 jersey made. Some (including ESPN) called his passes “tight and compact,” and most seem to agree that his throwing motion and delivery has been refined and sped up even more than it was weeks ago. However, there is still a bit of a hitch that must be smoothed out.

More video of Tebow throwing and addressing the media from NFL.com.

NFL.com’s Michael Lombardi interviews Tebow after his first practice.

Tags: Ben McDaniels, Denver Broncos, Josh McDaniels, NFL, Tim Tebow

1 » For the hundreds of tackles and heaps of energy former Florida Gators linebacker Channing Crowder has provided the Miami Dolphins since he was drafted, fans in South Florida tend to focus on the negatives – lack of forced fumbles, interceptions and sacks. After selecting a linebacker-heavy roster in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Dolphins are seemingly looking to replace Crowder – either in the short-term or the long-term. Either way, the Mouth from the South (yes, we know that’s Jimmy Hart, but it applies here, too) remains confident in his ability to keep his starting job. “I don’t care [about the additions],” Crowder said. “They’ve brought a lot of great linebackers in since I’ve been here, and I’ve played with a lot of great ones. I always look at it as just more toys for me to be out there with, more talent for me to play with. […] I’m a very confident guy. I’m going to be on the field. I’m going to play football next season.”

2 » With so many local and national columnists bashing the Denver Broncos selection of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow with the No. 25 overall pick just over a week ago, it has been the team’s former players that have been some of his most ardent supporters. Floyd Little, arguably the second-best player in team history (behind John Elway, of course), does not just support Tebow – he applauds the front office for having the stones to draft him. “I think Tim Tebow was a damn good pick,” Little said. “Those questions [about his delivery] will make this kid work a lot harder. He keeps hearing, ‘You’re not going to make it. You’re not going to make it.’ That’s great for him. Boy, that’s a motivator. I bet you he’s working his butt off right now. […] Don’t try to change him! He doesn’t need to change! Let the guy play the way he needs to play. I guarantee he’ll make things happen. I don’t care what anybody says! This Tebow is a football player. He did more for college football than anybody. Anybody! He’s a great football player!”

Extra Bit » Tebow’s No. 15 Broncos jersey is not only the fastest seller for rookies in the history of NFLShop.com, it is also selling better than that of any veteran in the league right now since he was drafted No. 25 overall just over a week ago. Of course, you can buy Tebow’s jersey (and a wide variety of other Gators and NFL items) directly through OGGOA by clicking the appropriate advertisement to your right.

Tags: Channing Crowder, Denver Broncos, Draft, Floyd Little, Miami Dolphins, NFL, Tim Tebow

1 » The No. 3 Florida Gators women’s tennis team was honored extensively by the Southeastern Conference on Wednesday, taking home the top three available annual awards. Freshman Lauren Embree won SEC Player of the Year, freshman Allie Will took home SEC Freshman of the Year honors and Roland Thornqvist was named SEC Coach of the Year. Also representing the team were seniors Marrit Boonstra and Anastasia Revzina, who were named to the All-SEC First Team and Second Team, respectively. Embree and Will also earned All-SEC First Team honors and placement on the SEC All-Freshman Team. Florida was undefeated (11-0) during the regular season, won the 2010 SEC Tournament and will compete in the 2010 NCAA Team Championship beginning May 14.

2 » When it comes to former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow’s future with the Denver Broncos, you will find no stronger advocate or staunch defender than Denver Post columnist Woody Paige. As someone who suggested the team select Tebow from the get-go, Paige has gone on the offensive against a number of his readers who continue to question head coach Josh McDaniels’ decision, comparing Tebow to the likes of John Elway and San Francisco’s Steve Young.

Check out four more BITS on Cunningham, Mullen and Florida baseball…
Continue Reading » SIX BITS: Tennis, Tebow’s defense, Cunningham’s future, Mullen’s job, Johnson’s start, Moyer

Tags: All-SEC, Allie Will, Anastasia Revzina, Andre Smith, baseball, Bob Stoops, Brian Johnson, Carlos Dunlap, Cincinnati Bengals, Coach of the Year, Dan Mullen, Denver Broncos, Draft, Freshman of the Year, Jeff Moyer, Jermaine Cunningham, John Elway, John Jerry, Josh McDaniels, Lauren Embree, Marrit Boonstra, Michael Oher, Mississippi State Bulldogs, MLB, NCAA Team Championship, New England Patriots, NFL, Player of the Year, Roland Thornqvist, SEC, SEC Tournament, Steve Young, tennis, Tim Tebow, Tommy Toledo, Urban Meyer

While he still has plenty of work to do to prove his worth on the field, former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow has already set one record as a member of the Denver Broncos.

According to Bloomberg, “Tebow sold more jerseys during the [2010 NFL Draft] weekend than any other rookie or current player.” The No. 25 overall pick, he topped previous record holder and New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, who led the league in 2009. He also sold more jerseys than popular rookies like Reggie Bush and Vince Young (2006).

“It’s a pretty substantial difference between him and the next guy,” said NFL spokeswoman Joanna Hunter of Tebow’s jersey sales. Detroit defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh came in second, followed by St. Louis QB Sam Bradford, Kansas City safety Eric Berry and Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant.

You can purcahse Tebow’s No. 15 Broncos jersey directly through OGGOA.

Tags: Denver Broncos, Draft, Mark Sanchez, New York Jets, NFL, Tim Tebow

1 » Florida Gators 2011 tight end commitment A.C. Leonard (Jacksonville, FL) will be transferring to his second high school in as many years. According to The Florida Times-Union, the goal is for Leonard to improve his test scores in order qualify for admission to the University of Florida. “Academically he’s on the right track,” University Christian head coach Heath Nivens told the paper. “His grades are solid, but he’s got to get his test scores up. We’re going to help him with some of those things this summer, as far as an SAT prep class so that in July he’s in great shape to qualify.”

2 » Former Gators defensive tackle Torrey Davis, who played his final college season with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks after leaving Florida due to academic and off-the-field issues, has agreed to a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers according to The Birmingham News. One of the nation’s top recruits in 2007, he is best known for making two exciting goal line tackles in the 2009 BCS National Championship game against Oklahoma. He will attempt to make the Buccaneers’ roster during mini camp workouts.

3 » Apparently a radio host in Boston, MA, named “Toucher” working for 98.5 The Sports Hub, after former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow was selected by the Denver Broncos, said his family’s celebration “looked like some kind of Nazi rally … so lily-white is what I’m trying to say. Yeah, Stepford Wives.” As David Whitley of Fanhouse explains, it will be interesting to see whether or not CBS decides to take action against the host like it did against Don Imus for calling the Rutgers women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hos.” Take a look at Whitley’s thoughts and decide for yourself.

UPDATE: On Monday, “Toucher” apologized for his comments. “Anyone who listens to the show regularly knows that I am not the most articulate person in the world,” he said. “I apologize to you that were offended. You know, I just apologize, and I regret what I said.” CBS still has a decision to make…

4 » Though he told reporters that he has yet to speak with any universities in particular, Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive said Monday that his organization is discussing expansion internally. “Given the success we’ve experienced over the past decade, we are comfortable in the position in which we find ourselves,” Slive said. “Having said that, if there’s going to be a significant shift in the conference paradigm, the SEC will be strategic and thoughtful in order to maintain its position as one of the nation’s premiere conferences.” In other words, if the Big 10 chooses to expand to 16 teams, the SEC will do its darnedest to make sure they are not upstaged.

Tags: A.C. Leonard, BCS, Big 10, Denver Broncos, Heath Nivens, Jacksonville State Gamecocks, Mike Slive, National Championship, SEC, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tim Tebow, Torrey Davis, University of Florida