Bee’s best: Here are who fans voted for prep football Player of the Year and more
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fans elected Brandon Smith Player of the Year after he totaled 5,404 votes.
- Jelani Dippel won Offensive Player with 9,628 votes and led a state title run.
- Tytus Dimmer and Tyson Cook captured defensive and line honors via fan polls.
The Fresno Bee released its Player of the Year, All-Stars on Thursday, but fans were given a voice through polls to determine the season’s most outstanding football players in several key categories: Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Lineman of the Year.
Here are the results of those categories:
Player of the Year: Senior running back/defensive back Brandon Smith of Central East captured fans’ hearts and votes, earning 5,404 votes (77%) to secure the Player of the Year honor. Smith’s versatile contributions made him the focal point of the Bengals’ roster, and fans rewarded his consistent impact on both sides of the ball.
Offensive Player of the Year: Central East quarterback Jelani Dippel received 9,628 votes (71%), making him the clear choice for Offensive Player of the Year. Dippel’s leadership and playmaking were instrumental in guiding the Bengals to a state championship, and the margin of his win in the poll reflects the community’s appreciation for his role at the helm of the offense.
Defensive Player of the Year: Clovis West linebacker Tytus Dimmer earned the Defensive Player of the Year honor with 19,253 votes (43%). Known for his leadership and clutch performances, Dimmer anchored the Golden Eagles’ defense and was often at the center of pivotal moments throughout the season.
Lineman of the Year: Senior Tyson Cook of Central East won Lineman of the Year by collecting 935 votes (80%). Cook’s presence on the offensive line was a key factor in the success of both Dippel and Smith, and fans acknowledged his invaluable contributions in the trenches.
Of note:
The results of these fan polls highlight community engagement and the recognition of athletes who shaped an exciting season. The Fresno Bee All-Star selections not only reflect on-field excellence but also the impact players have on their supporters and schools.
