“Dr. Taylor captured the essence of Texas High School Football in Draw the Line. “

-Dr. Charles Breithaupt

Join Hunter's growing list of newsletter subscribers, and get early access to a chapter from his new book, Draw the Line.

 

Summer Book Tour


June 28, 2022

The 1844 House

Longview, TX



June 30, 2022

Dud’s on the Lake

Gilmer, TX



July 1, 2022

The Tomato Bowl (Jacksonville ISD)

Jacksonville, TX




July 19, 2022

The Well

San Antonio, TX



 

Synopsis

East Texas is a land of tough, committed, resilient, hard-working people who love and take care of each other. Communities come together in churches, in schools, and in high school football stadiums all across this, often overlooked, region of the state. Football is more than a sport for young men in this part of the country that is primarily made up of small, country towns.  It’s a means of modeling character, and instilling discipline and pride—a way of life led by a brotherhood of coaches, each generation molding the next.  On the football field and off, coaches lead not only their teams but also the towns, garnering respect for their dedication and will to succeed, sometimes against great odds.  The ethos of East Texas is especially embodied in the story of Jeff Traylor, former head coach of the Gilmer Buckeyes, and his long-time coaching staff. A native son, Traylor and his band of brothers transformed the Buckeyes into champions, and in doing so help tell the story of the entire region’s obsession with high school football, and undeniable influence on all levels of the sport. This is the story of the coach, the team, and the region.

 

What They’re Saying

 

“I have covered East Texas high school football since 1981 with hundreds of memories still ingrained in my mind – games, players, coaches, fans, even the atmosphere and tradition. Hunter secured the tradition of East Texas high school football through his words with Draw The Line. I’ve also known Traylor and witnessed his dream turned reality of turning around his alma mater and did he ever. This is a must read.”

David Smoak
Director of Broadcasting-SicEm365 Radio
Owner-Smoaky.com

“Dr. Taylor captured the essence of Texas High School Football in Draw the Line. Utilizing the coaching trees from iconic coaches from across the state he connects the dots that make high school football so special. His work focuses not just in Gilmer and East Texas and not only with the phenomenal success of Jeff Traylor but across the Lone Star State.”

Dr. Charles Breithaupt
Executive Director of the
University Interscholastic League (UIL)

“Draw the Line is the story about Jeff Traylor, the Gilmer Buckeyes and his passion and drive for excellence for the great game of football and the life lessons that it can teach. Jeff Traylor is a true Texas High School Coaching Legend, and Hunter masterfully introduces us to his coaching ancestry and incredible “Coaching Tree.” I recommend this book to anyone who loves Texas High School Football.

D.W. Rutledge
former President of the Texas High School Coaches Association

 

“As a fifth-generation East Texan, I'm always skeptical of writers who attempt to perform a flyover of the culture that makes up this part of the country. Hunter has gifted us with a historical gem that doubles as a blueprint for leaders who seek to guide their teams to unimaginable heights.”

Daron K. Roberts
Founding Director of the Center for Sports Leadership
and Innovation at the University of Texas, Author of Call an Audible

“Draw the Line gives readers a deep understanding of the tie that binds small towns across Texas. Hunter Taylor goes well beyond the Friday night lights for readers to see how one team of young men has the power to uplift an entire community. If you want to know what the hype is all about behind Texas High School football, Draw the Line will reveal that there is a lot more to the game than Xs and Os.”

Lindsey Knutson
Former White House staffer
Daughter of Texas High School Hall of Fame Coach

“Having played high school football in East Texas and even knowing the stories of the people involved, Hunter Taylor’s storytelling in Draw the Line made this a hard book for me to put down. Great read!”

Josh McCown
former NFL Quarterback

 

Photos 

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 Trailers

 

Interview Series

Media

Dr. Hunter Taylor on his new book ‘Draw the Line’

The Mike Taylor Show (Sports Radio Ticket 760)

INTERVIEW: Professor and Author Dr. Hunter Taylor

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football