It's no secret that senior Carroll running back TJ McDaniel has had an outstanding season, and it's not over yet! As the Dragons advance to the regional round of playoffs, the SMU-commit continues to be a valuable asset to the team.
We aren't the only ones who have noticed. McDaniel is now a nominee for the Landry Award – a prestigious honor that recognizes the top high school football player in North Texas who demonstrates positive character and leadership attributes.
Named after football icon Tom Landry, this award is basically the Heisman of North Texas high school football. Its namesake, Landry, hailing from Mission, Texas, led his team to a 12-0 season as a senior quarterback. He went to play for the University of Texas, the New York Giants, and of course, is best known as the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. He led the team for 29 seasons, 20 of which were winning seasons.
The award includes players from any school, division and position in 32 area counties. The player is selected by a panel of former coaches and players, members of the media and local leaders. And here's where you come in: Online public voting also accounts for one vote in the panel balloting. Click here to vote.
At 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10, at the Hope Center in Plano, one of the five nominees will be chosen as the votes are tallied. Other nominees include Mansfield Legacy defensive tackle Enoch Jackson, Arlington quarterback Jahari Rogers, Allen wide receiver Theo Wease and Dallas Bishop Dunne safety Brian Williams.