The Built Ford Tough Player of the Year Award celebrates the top high school football athletes in Texas across classifications 6A through 2A and eligible private schools.
Each week during the season, one standout is named the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week, leading up to the prestigious Player of the Year honors in each classification.
The experts at Dave Campbell's share their players to watch for 4A.
Mallory Hartley's Player to Watch
2026 S/RB Donovan Webb (Frisco Panther Creek): Ranked as the overall top safety in the state, he’s one of the most productive defensive backs in Texas, delivering 234 tackles, 19 pass breakups and nine interceptions in just two seasons. He’s an absolute ballhawk, who has the ability to play in all three phases of the game. Playing alongside four-star athlete Jalen Lott, Frisco Panther Creek could be poised for a big year.
Carter Yates' Player to Watch
2026 QB Bowe Bentley (Celina): Celina head coach Bill Elliott says in his 32 years, Celina has never had a QB like Bentley. Does he follow up a state championship season by winning Celina’s 10th?
William Wilkerson's Player to Watch
2026 WR/CB Jalen Lott (Frisco Panther Creek): One of the most sought-after recruits in the country will put his talents on full display for a Panther Creek team that should be playing after Thanksgiving. A nightmare in the slot and an absolute ballhawk at corner.
Matt Stepp's Player to Watch
2026 RB Jacaleb Johnson (Silsbee): Johnson had a monster junior season replacing Drelon Miller as Silsbee’s main weapon. He’s moving to quarterback in 2025, where he’ll have the ball in his hands every play and will operate behind one of the top offensive line units in Southeast Texas.
Greg Powers' Player to Watch
2026 RB K.J. Edwards (Carthage): Named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year by Dave Campbell's Texas Football, the Texas A&M commit has already piled up 4,030 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns in his Texas high school career. Ranked as the No. 6 overall prospect in the state, he also earned Offensive MVP honors in last year’s 4A Division II state title game.
Greg Tepper's Player to Watch
2026 WR Jabarie Thornton (Waco La Vega): Thornton helped power La Vega to a state title appearance last season, racking up 1,470 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, making him one of the most dangerous returning weapons in the state. The DCTX Rising 100 member is committed to Oklahoma State.
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