A veritable who’s who of Alabama high school football talent was in attendance during the Alabama Sports Writers Association Mr. Football Awards banquet Wednesday.

Two of the overall winners were products of Butler County.  Georgiana sophomore linebacker Cameron Longmire was selected as the 2015 Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 1A Lineman of the Year, and Greenville High School’s Marlon Davidson took home the Lineman of the Year honors for the Class 5A division.

Davidson, who was also crowned Defensive Lineman of the Year during Greenville High School’s 2015-2016 football banquet last month, recorded 65 tackles (19 for a loss), 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and an offensive touchdown last season.

Because he is now enrolled at Auburn University, where he committed to play football last season, Davidson couldn’t comment on receiving the award.

Longmire, a relative newcomer by comparison, said that taking home Lineman of the Year honors was the furthest thing from his mind.

“It feels great,” Longmire said.  “It surprised me, because I didn’t think I was going to get it.”

Looking at Longmire’s accomplishments during the 2015 season, the award becomes much more justified.

Longmire recorded 1,487 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns as a running back in addition to his 143 tackles and four defensive touchdowns—two from interceptions and another two from fumble recoveries.

“I think the number of times he scored on defense was part of what put him over the top,” said Georgiana head football coach Ezell Powell.

More impressive is how well the sophomore performed on both sides of the ball with little to no breaks in between.

According to him, it all starts at practice.

“I did it by just being disciplined every time, and keeping up the hard work that I Do on and off the field,” Longmire said.

The season was a memorable one for the entire Georgiana Panthers organization as well as Longmire, and he added that being along for the ride as a sophomore was a formative experience.

The Panthers’ accomplishments united an entire town behind a single purpose, and none of that importance was lost on him.

“Georgiana is on the come-up now, and back then they really didn’t have all of the fans (attending games),” Longmire said.

“When I look at the stands now and see so many people at our games, it makes me want to work harder.”

Despite an exodus of talented seniors leaving Georgiana this year, Longmire believes the program is in good hands, provided he and his teammates are prepared to dedicate the next few years to grinding it out in the weight room and the classroom.

In many ways, Longmire is the embodiment of smash-mouth physical football that Powell wants Georgiana to become known for.

But it’s a mental trait, and not a physical one, that Powell believes elevates Longmire above his peers.

“I was really excited for him, his family and the community because I know how much work he’s put in to get to where he is,” Powell said. “I watched him day-in and day-out, and he’s like any other kid—some days he doesn’t want to do it, but he trusts in what I tell him and he does it anyway.

“He’s reaping the rewards of his hard work and dedication, and I think it’ll help motivate not only him but his teammates, also.  Just continue to work hard, and understand that great things happen when you work hard.”