10/16/2026
Lets hear the comments about what im wearing!
BUILT FORD TOUGH PLAYER OF THE WEEK ELYJAI BARNETT - RB/DB
*The Built Tough Player of the week award honors outstanding student-athletes throughout the state for excellence on the playing field, in the classroom, and in the community.*
A little about Elyjai:
With Yoakum looking for someone to break open a district battle against unbeaten Marion, Elyjai Barnett delivered on both sides of the football. The junior running back and defensive back rushed 16 times for 147 yards and four touchdowns, added two receptions for 44 yards, and made one of the game’s biggest defensive plays with a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown. Barnett also broke up three passes, giving him five total touchdowns in a performance that showcased his ability to change a game from virtually anywhere on the field. Even more impressive, Barnett carried the ball just twice in the second half, and both attempts went for touchdowns, helping propel Yoakum past previously unbeaten Marion in a key district victory. An All-Area and All-District selection, Barnett also competes in basketball and track and field. Football success runs in the family, as his older brother X’Zavier Barnett, now at SMU, earned state championship game MVP honors during his own standout high school career. Elyjai is quickly building an impressive résumé of his own.
This is what Yoakum High School Head Coach Bo Robinson has to say:
“Elyjai is a great kid, he shows up every day and goes to work. He never says much, just does his job. He leads by example and is very deserving of this award with the level of his play so far this year."
CONGRATULATIONS ELYJAI!!!
Mr. Richard Weber and Weber Motor Company sales professional Jon Eric Rodriguez presented Elyjai Barnett with the Ford Tough Player of the Week award.
