The Five: Mr. Football Candidates – D2-AAA

Chris Smith July 22, 2021 @ 10:52 AM

Our 2021 season preview continues with looking at the top prospects in each classification that are primed for big seasons and on the road towards Mr. Football honors. Here are the top five candidates D2-Class AAA 1. (RB) Dallan Hayden Dallan Hayden 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Christian Brothers | 2022 State TN (5'11 190) - Christian Brothers - The reigning D2-Class AAA Mr. Football is Hayden and there is no reason to think he won't repeat this year. The Purple Wave star running back put up monster numbers last season and he has had an entire offseason to rest and develop his game even further. Hayden is a dynamic, do everything type of back that is a threat to find the end zone anytime the ball touches his hands. The new commit to Ohio St., Hayden is the clear cut favorite to walk away as Mr. Football for the second time in his career and then take his talents to college and the Big Ten. 2. (QB) George Hamsley (6'4 200) - MUS - Hamsley could be the biggest surprise candidate for Mr. Football honors as he doesn't get as much pub as many others in his area but he has the size, tools and skill around him to compete for the biggest individual award. The Owls starting quarterback put himself on the map last year after a solid junior campaign and has continued to create buzz this offseason as Hamsley has received several college offers. If Hamsley can lead the Owls on a deep playoff run while putting up big numbers, he will find himself in consideration for Mr. Football. 3. ‘23 (QB) Marcel Reed Marcel Reed 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB MBA | 2023 State TN (6'2 180) - MBA - Having Hayden sitting at the top of the board to repeat, Reed may have to wait one more season before his name is called for Mr. Football but the Big Red signal caller is poised for a big season and will give the West Tennessee back a run for his money. Reed is considered one of the top overall prospects for the ‘23 class and his talents justify that lofty status. He is a cerebral, athletic, accurate throwing quarterback that you will see throwing the ball in the Power Five ranks very soon. 4. (QB) Cooper Wick Cooper Wick 6'3" | 180 lbs | QB Baylor School | 2022 State TN (6'3 185) - Baylor School - The Red Raiders have a team this year that can go all away and compete for a state title. If that is to be the case then Wick will need to lead his team in that direction and he appears ready to do just that. Sporting good size and arm strength, Wick has had a strong offseason and improved enough to be considered a prime candidate for Mr. Football. He will need to win and put up big numbers but the talent is around him, on both sides of the ball to push Baylor deep into the playoffs and place Wick at the top of the list for postseason honors. 5. (Ath) Hunter Barnes Hunter Barnes 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH MUS | 2022 State TN (6'0 175) - MUS - Watch out Barnes this season as this is a guy that could have a breakout season and position himself not only for Mr. Football honors but enhance his college recruitment as well. Barnes is an ultra athlete that plays both ways for the Owls and will be leaned upon this year to be a feature player on offense. His role will probably sit at running back but Barnes can play receiver and be used in a variety of ways. The Owls could have one of the best offenses in D2-Class AAA and Barnes will be a big reason for that Photo: commericialappeal.com Others to Consider: (DB/RB) Charles Ingram IV - Ensworth, (QB) Ashton Strother Ashton Strother 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Christian Brothers | 2022 State TN - CBHS, (RB) Keondre Jarmon Keondre Jarmon 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Knoxville Catholic | 2022 State TN - Knox. Catholic, (WR) Clarkson Shoaf Clarkson Shoaf 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR MUS | 2022 State TN - MUS, ‘23 (QB) Kenny Minchey Kenny Minchey 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Pope Prep | 2023 State TN - JP2