MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Sports Writers Association named T.J. (Timothy) Yeldon of Daphne High their choice for the statewide 2012 Mr. Football Award Wednesday during the ASWA’s annual awards luncheon in Montgomery.

The Trojans' 6-foot-2, 210-pound running back received the most ASWA votes ahead of Hueytown quarterback Jamies Winston and is the first running back since 2000 to receive the coveted title first awarded in 1982 to Tommy Compton of Vigor. Yeldon and Julio Jones of Foley (2007) are the only players from Baldwin county to earn the recognition.

"There are many great football players in our state," Daphne head coach Glenn Vickery said. "To be selected as 'The Best' is a tremendous achievement and honor for T.J, his family, his teammates, his coaches, school administrators and teachers and the Daphne community."

Yeldon rushed for a total of 2,197 yards in only 12 games as the primary ball carrier when he wasn’t a primary receiver this past season. He posted a 9.51-yard per carry (231) average and scored 32 touchdowns. Despite sharing running duties as an underclassman, he ran for over 1,000-yards per season as a sophomore and junior as well and finished his career with 4,653 career rushing yards and 73 touchdowns. He also helped Daphne win the 2010 6A state championship.

Yeldon received 187 points to Winston’s 173. Other area players to receive the Mr. Football award are Auburn University quarterback Clint Moseley (Leroy, 2008), JaMarcus Russell (Williamson, 2002), DeMarco McNeil (Blount, 1998) and Darrell ('Lectron) Williams (Vigor, 1988).

Daphne and now University of Alabama teammate Ryan Anderson was among those considered for 6A lineman of the year. Both graduated early and are enrolled at UA.

The awards were hosted by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association.