Central East’s Xavior Jones, right, intercepts the ball on a pass intended for Clovis East’s Elijah Wilson during their playoff game at Deran Koligian Stadium in Fresno on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
CRAIG KOHLRUSS
Central East’s Xavior Jones was voted the Fresno Bee preseason Player of the Year by fans.
Jones received 7,214 votes (86%).
He finished ahead of Bengals teammate and quarterback Jelani Dippel, who received 1,030 votes (12%).
Jones is already committed to San Diego State and will look to help Central East repeat as the Tri-River Athletic Conference and Central Section champions, as well as contend for a possible state title.
Last season, Jones had one rushing touchdown and four receiving touchdowns.
On defense, he recorded four interceptions, six pass deflections and a blocked field goal.
The poll came to a close this past Monday.
This story was originally published August 23, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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