Honoring High School Football Legends
-
Updated: May 18, 2024
The Texas High School Football Hall of Fame celebrated its latest inductees, each of whom has made significant contributions to the Texas high school football scene.
Riley Odoms: A Versatile Talent
Riley Odoms, a standout at West Oso in Corpus Christi, made his mark in football long before his illustrious NFL career with the Denver Broncos. At West Oso, Odoms demonstrated his versatility by playing multiple positions, including wide receiver, running back, quarterback, and middle linebacker. His athletic prowess earned him a spot at the University of Houston, where he excelled as a tight end. Odoms' collegiate career was highlighted by 45 catches for 730 yards, making him one of three All-American tight ends.
Odoms' professional career with the Denver Broncos further solidified his status as a football great. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, known for his exceptional skills and contributions to the team's success. His legacy in football is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Brent Duhon: A Record-Setting Receiver
Brent Duhon, a standout wide receiver at Thomas Jefferson High School, shared the spotlight with renowned Texas high school football quarterback, Todd Dodge. Together, they led Thomas Jefferson to a 14-1 record and a berth in the Class 5A title game during Duhon's senior year. Although they fell short to Permian in the 1980 title game, Duhon's performance that season was nothing short of remarkable, with 1,380 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Duhon's high school success paved the way for a notable college career at the University of Texas.
His achievements on the field left an enduring impact on Texas high school football, earning him a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame. He was unable to attend the banquet and ceremony due to health issues.
Cory Redding: Dominance on the Field
Houston native Cory Redding was a force to be reckoned with on the football field. At North Shore High School, Redding earned USA Today's Defensive Player of the Year honors in his senior season, alongside consensus All-American recognition. Redding's talents extended beyond football, as he also excelled in track and field, winning back-to-back Class 5A titles in discus.
Redding continued to impress at the University of Texas, where he was an All-American defensive end from 1999 to 2002. His 57 tackles for loss rank as the fourth most in school history. Redding's professional career in the NFL spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams and established himself as a defensive powerhouse.
Cedric Benson: A Running Back Legend
Cedric Benson's football journey began at Midland Lee High School, where he amassed an astonishing 8,423 rushing yards and 127 touchdowns. His high school success was a precursor to an illustrious college career at the University of Texas. Benson was a Doak Walker Award winner and an All-American from 2001 to 2004, becoming one of only ten players to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons.
Benson's professional career in the NFL saw him play for multiple teams, where he continued to showcase his exceptional talent as a running back. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark, cementing his legacy as one of the greats.
Representing Cedric Benson and accepting on his behalf were his mother and brother (Deondrick Long.)
Tim Buchanan: The Coaching Legend
Tim Buchanan's coaching career at Aledo High School is the stuff of legends. Over three decades, Buchanan led the Aledo Bearcats to eight state titles, coming within one of the UIL 11-man record shared by the late Gordon Wood and Carthage's Scott Surratt. His coaching record of 281-58-3 speaks volumes about his impact on Texas high school football.
Buchanan's retirement in January 2023 marked the end of an era for Aledo, but his influence on the game and the players he coached will be felt for generations to come. His commitment to excellence and his ability to cultivate winning teams have earned him a place among the all-time great coaches.
John Wilkins: A Permian Powerhouse
John Wilkins' tenure as head coach of the Odessa Permian Panthers was marked by exceptional success. Coaching the team for over a decade, Wilkins led the Panthers to state titles in 1980 and 1984. His overall record of 148-16-6 makes him one of the winningest coach in Texas high school football.
Wilkins' coaching philosophy and ability to inspire his players were key factors in his teams' successes.
Robert Lee Brown: A Champion for Equality
Robert Lee Brown's impact on Texas sports extends beyond the playing field. As a career coach and later, the chairman of the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association (PVILCA,) Brown has played a crucial role in preserving the history and legacy of African American athletes and coaches during the segregation era.
The PVIL, which governed academics and athletics for black schools during segregation, produced numerous outstanding coaches and athletes. Brown's efforts to highlight these contributions have ensured that their stories are remembered and honored.
The induction event at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame was a fitting tribute to the outstanding achievements of these athletes and coaches. Each inductee's journey is a testament to their dedication, talent, and impact on the world of sports. As we honor their legacies, we are reminded of the lasting influence they have had on their respective fields and the inspiration they continue to provide to future generations. The turnout for the banquet was well attended and the audience featured a who's who of Texas high school football royalty.
Chris Doelle met with the inductees prior to the even to record their episodes for the upcoming season of The Texas High School Football Hall of Fame podcast. Look for the release of these shows soon.
Related Posts
You must be logged in to post a comment.