BEAUMONT – It’s been a banner year for Woodville High School senior Tayvion Hunter.
The Eagles’ defensive standout during a historic 2024 season was just named to the highest award a Southeast Texas football player can hope for: the Willie Ray Smith Award.
Hunter was named the 33rd Annual Willie Ray Smith Defensive Player of the Year, and Woodville ISD could not be prouder.
“Congratulations Eagle, and we’re looking forward to seeing what you accomplish next at Sul Ross,” a post on WISD’s social media read after the honor was announced.
The award, which has been referred to as the Heisman Trophy of Southeast Texas football, recognizes players, both offensively and defensive, drawn from 30 different high school programs through the region. The players are nominated by their coaches, and the awards banquet, which was held on Saturday in Beaumont, has become a signature event in the region’s football culture.
The award is named for legendary coach Willie Ray Smith, Sr., who coached at several Beaumont-area schools, and created a legacy with his sons Tody and Bubba, both of whom went on to play pro football.
Hunter shared the honor with Hamshire-Fannett quarterback Ty Bryson, who won the offensive player award.
During the 2024 season, Hunter racked up 28 sacks, 157 total tackles and 31 tackles for loss, and notched three defensive touchdowns.
He was a key part of the Eagles’ campaign, which saw the team reaching the 3A Division II State Championship game.
