UF's Tebow won't sign autographs

They have been outside the Florida football practice field gate every weekday for the past two weeks, dozens of autograph seekers waiting for No. 15 to emerge and sign a hat or a T-shirt or a football or anything Gator.

The demand for quarterback Tim Tebow's signature has become overwhelming in the wake of his winning the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 8.

To stem that tide, the University Athletic Association has asked the sophomore not to sign any more autographs, due to the overwhelming number of requests, "which compromises his ability to handle his rigorous schedule as a student-athlete," according to a UAA release that was posted on Gatorzone.com on Friday.

In an attempt to appease fans, the UAA has produced a signed poster commemorating Tebow's Heisman win. The poster, which cannot be sold, is free and will be available to the public in mid-January, according to UAA.

Tebow has been a fan favorite since he signed with the Gators in February of 2006. His popularity has soared off the charts this season after he accounted for 51 touchdowns and became the first sophomore in the history of the Heisman to win award.

The Gators, who are playing Michigan in the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, broke for the Christmas holiday after Friday's practice and will not practice again until Dec. 26 in Orlando.