REVEALED: Built Ford Tough Player of the Week Winners - Week 11

PLANO, TEXAS, November 11, 2026 - Ford is celebrating the 21st anniversary of the prestigious Built Ford Tough Player of the Week and Year Awards, one of the most celebrated honors in Texas high school sports that recognizes student-athletes for their performance, leadership, and commitment to excellence. During each week of the 2026 regular season, fans, coaches, and media are asked to nominate players at FordPlayeroftheWeek.com.

Ford is partnering with Texas’ most iconic media brand, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, to honor past recipients and showcase their achievements both on and off the field. Throughout the season, Dave Campbell’s will produce the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week Show each Wednesday at 7 p.m. on DaveCampbells.com and across Dave Campbell’s social platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X), inviting fans to tune in weekly and follow along for highlights, stories, and exclusive content.

The campaign will also be celebrated through Dave Campbell’s statewide media channels and UIL postseason broadcasts, with special recognition leading into the Built Ford Tough Player of the Year Banquet in January. A couple weeks after the banquet, one of the honorees will also be recognized with the Built Ford Tough Mr. Texas Football Award, a complementary honor that celebrates the state’s most outstanding high school football player as part of this season-long celebration.

This week’s winning athletes join a long list of remarkable players recognized for their exceptional efforts.  

Class 6A: Jhadyn Nelson, Senior, LB, Langham Creek High School

Mascot: Lobos

Opponent: Cypress Creek High School

Jhadyn Nelson has built a reputation as one of the most feared linebackers in Texas, and the Langham Creek senior and co-captain continues to show why he's among the nation's elite defensive prospects. The explosive linebacker delivered another outstanding performance, recording nine tackles, including four solo stops, a tackle for loss, a sack, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery. The performance added to a remarkable senior campaign in which Nelson has totaled 76 tackles, including 49 solo stops, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery. Named the No. 1 linebacker in Greater Houston by the Houston Chronicle, Nelson has collected an impressive list of honors, including 2026 First Team Preseason All-State, USA TODAY First Team ALL-USA Southwest Region preseason and midseason recognition, and selection to the Touchdown Club of Houston's Preseason All-Greater Houston Team. A 2025 First Team All-District 16-6A selection, Nelson recorded 59 tackles and 10 tackles for loss as a junior, establishing himself as a disruptive force at every level of the defense. The four-star Texas Tech commit is ranked No. 7 overall in Texas and No. 3 nationally among linebackers by Rivals, placing him among the nation's premier Class of 2027 prospects. With his combination of size, speed, instincts and relentless pursuit, Nelson continues to prove why he is one of the most highly regarded defensive players in Texas high school football.

“Jhadyn has unbelievable talent, limitless potential, and a future that’s brighter than ever. This young man has what it takes to make plays on Saturdays and Sundays. The sky is the limit!”

Class 5A: Raykell Ford, Senior, QB, Tyler High School

Mascot: Lions

Opponent: Mesquite High School

Raykell Ford saved one of his biggest performances for the biggest moment of Tyler High's season, accounting for seven touchdowns as the Lions captured their first district championship since 2018. The senior dual-threat quarterback was sensational in a 63-28 victory over Mesquite, completing 19 of 28 passes for 241 yards and five touchdowns while rushing 10 times for 143 yards and two more scores. Ford finished with 384 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns, averaging an explosive 14.3 yards per carry and putting the finishing touches on Tyler's 29th district championship in school history. The victory extended the Lions' winning streak to six games and improved their record to 8-2, completing a remarkable regular season. Ford has been instrumental in that success, including a standout performance in Tyler's 62-42 Rose City Rivalry victory over Tyler Legacy, when he rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score through the air. He also helped lead the Lions to an impressive 30-24 victory over previously unbeaten Crandall, demonstrating his ability to deliver against quality competition. With his combination of speed, athleticism and big-play ability, Ford has emerged as one of East Texas' most exciting quarterbacks. On a night when Tyler High had a chance to make history, Ford delivered a championship-caliber performance that will be remembered throughout the Lions' program.

“Raykell is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who is equally dangerous with his arm and his legs. Demonstrates excellent athleticism, playmaking ability, and the vision to extend plays and create opportunities. A versatile athlete who keeps defenses guessing and can make an impact both in the passing game and on the ground.”

Class 4A: Tyler Heath, Senior, QB, Paris High School

Mascot: Wildcats

Opponent: Caddo Mills High School

Tyler Heath has rewritten the Paris High School record books, and the Wildcats' senior quarterback added another unforgettable chapter to his remarkable career with an eight-touchdown performance. Heath put on an offensive clinic, completing 21 of 36 passes for 478 yards and six touchdowns while rushing 13 times for 98 yards and two more scores. He finished with an incredible 576 yards of total offense, eight touchdowns and a successful two-point conversion, showcasing the arm talent, athleticism and playmaking ability that have made him one of East Texas' most prolific quarterbacks. A six-time school record holder, Heath owns Paris High's career and single-season records for passing yards, completions and passing touchdowns, cementing his place among the program's all-time greats. The two-time First Team All-District quarterback has also served as a team captain in 2025 and 2026, demonstrating the leadership and consistency that have defined his career. His accomplishments extend beyond football, earning 2025 District Basketball Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-District basketball honors. A four-time Academic All-District selection across football and basketball, Heath has distinguished himself as a leader in the classroom as well. With a record-setting career, exceptional versatility and a commitment to excellence on and off the field, Heath continues to demonstrate what it means to be Built Ford Tough.

“Tyler’s poise and heart at the QB position was on display against Caddo Mills. He is an outstanding young man on and off the field.”

Class 3A: Konnor Johnson, Junior, WR, Lorena High School

Mascot: Leopards

Opponent: C.H.Yoe High School

Konnor Johnson turned a showdown with fifth-ranked Cameron Yoe into a record-breaking showcase, delivering one of the most explosive receiving performances in Texas high school football this season. The Lorena junior wide receiver was virtually unstoppable in the Leopards' 64-14 victory, hauling in 11 receptions for a school-record 321 yards and four touchdowns, including a 55-yard touchdown on Lorena's opening possession. Johnson torched the Yoemen for 258 receiving yards in the first half alone, helping Lorena secure a share of the District 12-3A championship. But his impact extended well beyond the passing game. Johnson also recorded four tackles on defense and was a perfect 8-for-8 on extra-point attempts, showcasing his remarkable versatility across all three phases. The performance added to a growing collection of school records, including 1,359 single-season receiving yards, 19 receiving touchdowns and a 48-yard field goal. A 2025 Second Team All-District utility and specialty player and Super Centex Honorable Mention Special Teams selection, Johnson has also earned All-District recognition in basketball and qualified for the Area and Regional track meets in the 110-meter hurdles. An Academic All-District honoree, he volunteers with Special Olympics, youth sports camps and Lorena Elementary School while participating in the school's PALs program. Whether catching touchdowns, making tackles or splitting the uprights, Johnson continues to prove he's one of Central Texas' most versatile and electrifying playmakers.

"Konnor is a great competitor that we entrust to play offense, defense, and kick for us.  He is phenomenal at all of them.  He plays all sports and is an amazing student as well.  He is a Servant Leader and one that we call a Warrior's Heart, a lover of true competition.  He is a joy to be around, loves his teammates and his community."

Class 2A: Camdyn Almond, Senior, QB, Alto High School

Mascot: Yellowjackets

Opponent: Cross Roads High School

Camdyn Almond turned an East Texas shootout into a one-man offensive showcase, accounting for an astonishing 10 touchdowns as Alto outlasted Cross Roads, 76-60. The senior quarterback from Cherokee County delivered one of the most explosive performances of the Texas high school football season, completing 12 of 24 passes for 365 yards and five touchdowns while carrying the ball 18 times for 169 yards and five more scores. Almond finished with 534 yards of total offense and 10 touchdowns, displaying the arm strength, athleticism and big-play ability that have made him one of East Texas' most productive small-school quarterbacks. A three-year starter and 2025 First Team All-District selection, Almond has been rewriting Alto's record books since his sophomore season, when he established school single-season records for passing yards and passing touchdowns. That 2024 campaign included 1,743 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, laying the foundation for an impressive varsity career. This season, Almond has continued to lead the Yellowjackets' offense, including a four-touchdown passing performance against Cushing. On a night when both offenses were scoring at a breathtaking pace, Almond rose above the chaos, delivering a remarkable 10-touchdown performance that showcased his toughness, versatility and ability to take over a football game.

“Camdyn is a great kid that works hard and has represented Alto Athletics proudly his entire career."

Private School: Will Newhouse, Senior, LB, Second Baptist School

Mascot: Eagles

Opponent: Hyde Park High School

Will Newhouse turned a TAPPS regional playoff game into his own defensive highlight reel, scoring two spectacular touchdowns on returns totaling 172 yards. The senior linebacker delivered a remarkable postseason performance, recording four tackles, two tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and an interception, but it was his ability to turn defense into instant offense that stole the show. Newhouse scooped up a loose ball following a blocked field goal and raced 81 yards for a touchdown, then struck again with a breathtaking 91-yard interception return for another score. The two game-changing plays showcased the instincts, speed and athleticism that have made him one of the area's standout defensive playmakers. A two-time All-District selection and Touchdown Club of Houston Preseason Team honoree, Newhouse has also earned national attention with a play featured on ESPN SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays in 2025. A three-year letterman in both football and baseball, he serves on his school's football leadership council and has committed to Oklahoma Baptist University to play baseball. Whether making tackles, creating turnovers or turning defensive stops into touchdowns, Newhouse continues to demonstrate the versatility, leadership and big-play ability that define a Built Ford Tough player.

“First and foremost, Will is an outstanding teammate. He is a 2-sport athlete here at SBS. He is what our program has been built on. A tough, high energy, talented player who flies around and gives great effort. He puts the team first and always does what he is asked to do. We always say in our program that "players make plays" and Will is a playmaker!”

How the program works 
The Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week program recognizes one high school student-athlete in six of the state’s athletic classifications each week of the regular season. 

Nominees must excel in three categories: 

At the end of the regular season, Ford and its advisory board will select one student-athlete from the 11 weekly winners to be the Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Year in each classification. Following the championship games, honorees will be recognized at a banquet next year and one winner will be elevated to be awarded Dave Campbell’s Mr. Texas Football.

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Ford F-Series: The best-selling truck for over 49 years 
Ford is the undisputed truck leader in Texas. Ford F-Series sets the standard for full-size pickups with leading payload, towing, interior roominess, strength, and reliability. Ford is proud to recognize the Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Players of the Week.  

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities, and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services, including BlueCruise (ADAS) and security. The company offers freedom of choice through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles (“EVs”) along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, the company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 169,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at fromtheroad.ford.com.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For over 66 years, the iconic Dave Campbell’s Texas Football media brand has been “The Bible” for millions of football fans across Texas. Its annual summer edition is essential reading for rabid football fans, previewing every high school and college team in the state. Known for its comprehensive coverage, TexasFootball.com offers extensive digital content, including team and recruit rankings, scores, exclusive interviews, podcasts, and daily shows. Additionally, Dave Campbell’s Texan Live streams over 2,000 live sporting events each year, bringing fans closer to the action.

Contact:

Lindsey Beane

Ford Motor Company 

304-546-3811

lindsey.beane@bursonglobal.com