The Five: Mr. Football Candidates – D2-Class A
Moving forward in our look at the top contenders in the 2021 season for Mr. Football, D2-Class A is up next and this could be a battle as there is not a clear cut favorite nor a lead candidate.
Here are the five guys who look like prime candidates that could be poised for a big season.
1. (QB) Aden Hooper Aden Hooper 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB MTCS | 2022 State TN (6’2 195) – MTCS
– This final year for Hooper could be a big one as he has worked, trained and developed his game further to where his senior year could be a breakout season. The Cougars will look to take advantage of having Hooper behind center this year by throwing it as much as possible and if they do so, he will put up a lot of big numbers. Currently committed to Ky. Wesleyan, Hooper is a fearless competitor that is ready to make his mark and go after Mr. Football with a possible shot at Cookeville.
2. (RB/S) Steele Haynes (5’10 185) – USJ
– Haynes was a key force on last year’s state runner-up team but is now back as a senior as the Bruins top producing offensive playmaker and a guy that will be leaned on all year long for big plays. Haynes is also a two way talent that will take plenty of snaps on defense at defensive back. The Bruins star playmaker will hardly leave the field, so Haynes will have plenty of opportunities with the ball in his hands to find the end zone. If the Bruins make it back to Cookeville this season, Haynes will be a big reason why.
3. (QB) Bradford Gaines (5’11 185) – DCA
– If anybody is going to give Hooper a run for his money when it comes to leading the D2-Class A ranks in passing it will be Gaines. The Wildcats senior leader and quarterback is back for his final ride with DCA after putting together a strong junior campaign where he helped lead his team to within one game of reaching the state title in Cookeville. Gaines is a smart, accurate passer that will throw it a ton this year and he can run, so expect the Wildcats senior quarterback to put up big numbers and put his team in contention for a shot at Cookeville.
4. (RB/DB) Nakelin McAfee Nakelin McAfee 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB King's Academy | 2022 State TN (5’11 190) – King’s Academy
– McAfee is the best overall athlete in D2-Class A and the Lions top threat on both sides of the ball, so he will always be on the field and in prime opportunity to produce big numbers. He should be the main guy at running back and will be a senior leader in the secondary for the Lions. This East Tennessee product will be the focal point of every defense the Lions play, so McAfee will have to work but he is ready for the spotlight.
5. (DT/OL) Joshua Jones Joshua Jones 6'1" | 285 lbs | DL USJ | 2022 State TN (6’1 285) – USJ
– Jones is the lone lineman to crack this list and he does so because of his two way abilities and his importance to his Bruins squad. Jones is a veteran that has produced and played a lot of football at USJ and with this being his last go round, the 6’1 athletic lineman will be looking to go all out, helping lead his team back to Cookeville. Jones is a force that many lineman have a hard time controlling due to his quickness of the ball and powerful hands. This is a sleeper for Mr. Football and a prospect that can up his recruiting stock with a big senior year.
Others Considered: (RB) David Calderon David Calderon 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB First Assembly | 2022 TN – First Assembly, (QB/S) Tyler Morris Tyler Morris 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Nashville Christian | 2022 TN – NCS, (WR/S) Jaelyn Marsh Jaelyn Marsh 5'11" | 180 lbs | WR Nash. Christian | 2022 State TN – NCS, (RB/DB) Deion King – NCS, (RB/S) Morgan McGregor Morgan McGregor 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Friendship Christian | 2022 TN – Friendship Chrst.