PLANO, TEXAS, October 29th, 2025 - Ford is celebrating the 20th 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 2025 regular season, fans, coaches, and media are asked to nominate players at FordPlayeroftheWeek.com.

To mark the milestone, 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 Thursday at 10:30 p.m. on Texan Live and across Dave Campbell’s social platforms, 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. At the banquet, one honoree from each classification, will be recognized with the Dave Campbell’s Mr. Texas Football Award, an 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.  

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Class 6A: John Turntine III, Senior, OL, North Crowley High School

Mascot: Panthers

Opponent: Boswell High School

Senior offensive line standout John Turntine III has been the cornerstone of North Crowley High School’s dominant front, helping power one of the most explosive offenses in the state. A Texas commit, Turntine’s leadership and physicality have anchored an offensive line that continues to set the tone week after week. This past game, the Panthers’ offense erupted for 69 points and 651 yards of total offense, a testament to the unit’s power and precision in the trenches. While offensive line stats rarely show up on paper, Turntine’s impact is undeniable—his consistency, strength, and football IQ have paved the way for North Crowley’s 7-1 record and fueled their push toward the playoffs and a potential state championship run.

“John Turntine III is the definition of what it means to be a North Crowley Panther. He embodies the standard of excellence in everything he does on the field, in the classroom, and in life. He is elite in every pursuit, driven by a relentless commitment to improvement and a refusal to make excuses. His resilience, discipline, and selfless leadership set the tone for those around him. John doesn’t just wear the North Crowley logo, he represents its culture: work, toughness, and team first.”

• NORTH CROWLEY HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH RAY GATES

Class 5A: Kaydon Finley, Senior, WR, Aledo High School

Mascot: Bearcats

Opponent: Richland High School

Aledo senior wide receiver Kaydon Finley showcased his explosive playmaking ability once again in the Bearcats’ dominant win over Richland, hauling in 7 receptions for 169 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Notre Dame commit has found his rhythm and is emerging as a key weapon for Aledo’s undefeated squad. Finley now sits at 36 receptions for 587 yards and 9 touchdowns, with two three-touchdown performances in his last three games. Already a proven leader and clutch performer, Finley recently etched his name into Aledo’s record books by setting the school record for most career touchdown receptions with 42 — and counting. His combination of size, skill, and football IQ continues to make him one of the most dangerous receivers in Texas high school football.

"Kaydon had another big game for us against Richland with 7 catches for 169 yards and 3 TDs. Kaydon is a 4-year starter for the Aledo program and with his 3 TDs against Richland he passes JoJo Earle for the most TD Receptions in Aledo Football history."

• ALEDO HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH ROBBY JONES

Class 4A: Riley Bingham, Senior, RB/DB, Kennedale High School

Mascot: Wildcats

Opponent: Ranchview High School

Senior Riley Bingham continues to prove why he’s one of the most dynamic two-way athletes in the state, impacting games on both sides of the ball. In a statement performance against Ranchview, Bingham powered the offense with 32 carries for 319 yards and 6 touchdowns, showing his endurance and ability to take over a game. On defense, he was equally dominant, recording 6 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 107 return yards. Known for his relentless work ethic, toughness, and aggressive play, Bingham’s passion for the game shines through every snap. His leadership and versatility make him a true difference-maker for his team.

“His performance was outstanding! Anytime a player receives an award our entire program reaps the benefits. He is what Kennedale football is about.”

•  KENNEDALE HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH RICHARD BARRETT

Class 3A: Daedrick Hardwick, Senior, QB/DB, Alpine High School

Mascot: Bucks

Opponent: Anthony High School

Hardwick was an impact player on both sides of the ball during the Bucks’ 35-0 shutout of Anthony in District 3-3A Division II play.

As a quarterback, Hardwick completed 20 of 31 passes for 251 yards and four touchdown passes to no interceptions. He also rushed for 15 yards.  On the defensive side, Hardwick had five total tackles, four interceptions and returned one of his picks for a TD. The senior accounted for all five Alpine TDs.

Hardwick, a team captain, is an iron-man player who leaves the game for only about five snaps every Friday. He is a multi-sport standout that led all statewide class 3A schools in yards per reception as a junior, he was the district 3-3A MVP in basketball, and he qualified for the regional track meet in the high jump.

“He’s a huge part of our football team. He’s our quarterback on offense; he does a good job with that. He’s our free safety on defense. Every time the ball is in the air and Dae is in the area, it’s probably getting intercepted. He’s got eight interceptions on the year. He’s worked hard for his three years of varsity football and has gotten better year by year. He’s extremely coachable and works hard.”

• ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH JERRY DOMINGUEZ

Class 2A: Jakobe Harris, Senior, RB, West Sabine High School

Mascot: Tigers

Opponent: Evadale High School

When Jakobe Harris gets the ball in his hands – on offense or defense – there’s a good chance that ball is going to end up in the end zone. Harris touched the ball 17 times in a Week 9 56-27 victory over Evadale, and he scored on six of the touches to go along with a Pick Six that was called back due to a penalty.

Harris finished the game with 14 carries for 240 yards and five touchdowns, two catches for 65 yards and a TD and seven tackles and an interception on defense to help lead the Tigers to their first district championship since 2014.  He also went 4 for 5 on extra points and had a pair of 2-point conversions, and in the last two games he has touched the ball 22 times on offense – scoring 12 times – while hammering home 10 of 11 extra points and adding 12 tackles and two interceptions on defense.

“Jakobe is a very quiet, humble young man that just shows up everyday ready to work. This year he has become more of a vocal leader, and that has really helped our team out because when he speaks, he gets their attention. He has offers from Texas Tech and McNeese State and is now the fifth West Sabine Tiger to win the Built Ford Tough Award – one is Nick Williams, who is currently on our coaching staff.”

• WEST SABINE HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH DANNY BRAGG

Private School: Dai Dai Atkins Senior, RB/LB, Lubbock Christian High School

Mascot: Eagles

Opponent: Covenant Christian Academy

Dai Dai Atkins, a senior two-way standout from Lubbock Christian High School, delivered another incredible performance in a highly anticipated #4 vs. #5 TAPPS Division III showdown. The explosive athlete took over the game, rushing 27 times for 266 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 4 two-point conversions, while also dominating on defense with 4 solo tackles, 3 sacks, and a tackle for loss. Over the past two weeks alone, Atkins has piled up 523 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, showcasing his elite endurance and playmaking ability. A proven leader and clutch performer, Atkins has helped guide Lubbock Christian to three straight Final Four appearances and a State Championship in 2022. This season, he continues to be a force on both sides of the ball as the team’s leading rusher and tackler, with 780 total yards and 10 touchdowns through seven games—cementing his reputation as one of Texas private school football’s most complete and impactful players.

“I am so excited for Dai Dai to receive this award! He is a walking example of what happens when you fully buy in. This year, he’s put his head down and taken care of business, and it’s been such a joy to watch him reap the rewards of his effort. The beauty of Dai Dai is that he knows our offense and defense inside and out — we can put him at different positions and know he’s going to execute. He’s always willing to fill whatever role we need. I’m really proud of his growth and development, especially off the field — in the classroom and through his preparation with the scouting report. This is going to be really special for his teammates and school to celebrate with him.”

• LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH CHRIS SOFTLEY    

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Ford F-Series: The best-selling truck for over 48 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, that is 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 and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com. 

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For over 65 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 1,900 live sporting events each year, bringing fans closer to the action.