Mid-Season Mr. Football Candidates/Contenders

<h2>Tons of talented players are in contention for the top individual honor this season & below are the prospects from each classification that we think are in the mix. </h2>     Class 1A    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='150311' first='Landon' last='Ramsey'] - Unaka: Instead of just showing off his arm this year, Ramsey has been producing on both sides of the ball as well and he leads his team in almost every category from passing to tackles.    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='102221' first='Sam' last='Driggers'] - Peabody: The Golden Tide are in contention yet again for a 1A title and Driggers is a big reason why. His play through the air and on the ground is why this West Tennessee QB is a prime contender for Mr. Football.    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='150306' first='Jackson' last='Cassidy'] - McKenzie: Cassidy is quietly putting together another strong season for the Rebels, producing yards both with his arm and his legs. He is also playing a key role on defense as well.    (QB/Ath) Matthew Albritton - Gordonsville: Mr. Everything for his Tigers team, Albritton plays a lot of roles as he has thrown for 708 yards & 6 TD's, 4 rushing TD's while also playing a big role on defense at safety (21 tcks, 1 Int.)   (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='150376' first='Tatum' last='Oliver'] - Dresden: The Tigers are having a dream season thus far and Oliver is at the forefront of that as he is putting up huge numbers at quarterback, both throwing and running. This is a sleeper Mr. Football candidate.    (RB/DE) Thomas Wills - McEwen: Leading 1A in rushing, Wills has produced 1,139 yards and 17 TD's so far through five games, so expect bigger numbers going forward leading towards becoming a Mr. Football finalist.    ‘24 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='277797' first='Dawson' last='White'] - Moore Co.: This guy does everything for his Raiders team from passing to rushing to even making stops on defense. White may not get into final contention this year but he is a prime candidate for next season.    (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='102344' first='Marquez' last='Taylor'] - McKenzie: Can Taylor make it back to Nashville to hear his name called Mr. Football yet again? It's very possible as this future college player is turning heads yet again this season.    ‘24 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='207328' first='Kumaro' last='Brown'] - MASE: Brown has been sensational so far this year, helping lead his team to a current undefeated record and producing big numbers as both a receiver and a running back.    ‘25 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='301360' first='Kamden' last='Wellington'] - South Pittsburg: The Pirates have given over the offense to Wellington this season and he is producing at a high level, both through the air and on the ground.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/toliver.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-445454" width="341" height="341" /></figure>     Class 2A    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='201074' first='Josh' last='Jackson'] - Tyner Acad.: This could be your lead candidate for 2A Mr. Football at the moment as Jackson has thrown for over 1,200 yards with 15 TD's & 0 interceptions while leading his team to a current undefeated record.    ‘24 (QB) E.J. Gilliam - Freedom Prep: Much like the guy above, Gilliam is putting together a flawless start to his season throwing for 1,102 yards and 20 touchdowns with 0 Int's. This guy is a dynamic runner as well.    ‘25 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='362006' first='Brycen' last='McDonald'] - Lewis Co.: The Panthers are led by their offense this season with McDonald at helm, producing big numbers & showing upside for the next level. Expect to hear this guy's name a lot over the coming years.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='185563' first='Markel' last='McKinley'] - Tyner Acad.: Along with Jackson at QB, McKinley has been a major contributor to the Rams offensive production & brought them a speedy, big play back they can lean upon.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='102181' first='Mason' last='Bowman'] - Monterey: Bowman is yet again putting up big numbers on the ground & a big reason why the Wildcats are still in playoff contention as we reach the back half of the season.    ‘24 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='414886' first='Jacob' last='Arnold'] - Union City: The Golden Tornadoes sit undefeated at the moment and a big reason why is Arnold and his powerful running style. The junior runner has been a bell cow back so far this season and a strong guy to ride all the way through the playoffs.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='250847' first='Dyer' last='Barnes'] - Lewis Co.: McDonald's main target & team leader is this guy! Barnes is a consistent performer that has put up 563 yards through the air with 8 TD's while also playing the back end well on defense with 21 tackles and 2 Int's.    (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='201100' first='Zecheriah' last='Prince'] - East Robertson: Mr. Football finalist could very well be in this guy's future, especially if his team continues to win ball games and he puts up big numbers. Prince is a big back that can run his team all the way to Chattanooga.    (LB/RB) Elijah Flowers - Huntingdon: Flowers currently leads the state in sacks at eight but he is also contributing in a big way on the ground over on offense. This two-way player should continue to put up enough numbers to be in contention for Mr. Football.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/jjackson-crop-1024x673-1664558916.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-462911" width="527" height="346" /><figcaption>Photo: stateoftennesseehsfb.com</figcaption></figure>     Class 3A    (QB) Zach Beard - East Nashville: The Eagles are undefeated & looking like a title contender right now & Beard is a big reason why. His accurate passing & leadership have been top tier so far this year.    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='102276' first='Zach' last='Lunsford'] - Alcoa: 1st year starting at QB, Lunsford has been consistent & steady game in & game out. He is putting up solid numbers to help his cause as the Tornadoes remain a 3A title contender.   ‘24 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='207312' first='Brady' last='Hammonds']: Gatlinburg-Pittman: The Highlanders are one of the top teams in 3A this year & a big reason why is Hammonds. The junior QB has thrown for 1,169 yards & 11 TD's thus far & been efficient while doing so.   (RB) Easton Elliott - Waverly: The Tigers are a run based team this year with Elliott leading the way. He has run for 1,277 yards at this point, leading the 4A ranks in rushing.    (RB) Nehemiah Edwards - Unicoi Co.: Edwards has been a big part of the Blue Devils offense this season, rushing for a little less than 900 yards & providing that big back to churn out big plays.    (RB) Zori Randolph - Giles Co.: Inside a run based offense, Randolph has been a star thus far for his Bobcats team, leading the team in rushing (748 yds, 11 TD's) & being that every down back the offense needs to make the engine run.    ‘24 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='219342' first='Tegan' last='Avera'] - Gatlinburg-Pittman: The Highlanders have been well balanced this season & a big factor in that has been the play of Avera. Rushing for 870 yards & 11 TD's thus far, this Sophomore back has certainly put himself on the radar for Mr. Football consideration.    (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='302319' first='Jordan' last='Harris'] - Alcoa: This guy is one of the more athletic, versatile players in the state & this season he has been a focal point for the Tornadoes offense while contributing on defense & special teams   (Ath) Payton Campbell - Sequatchie Co.: Campbell has been the leading man for his Indians offense this season, producing 1,218 total offensive yards (passing/rushing) while helping push 21 touchdowns across the end zone.    ‘24 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='239447' first='Kamauri' last='Turner'] - Giles Co.: Another big part of the Bobcats offense is this junior athlete who plays multiple roles for his offense while also contributing on defense. Turner is a dynamic playmaker that should be on this list again next year.    (DE/LB) Jacorien Love - Sheffield: Many may not see Love as a contender but if he keeps playing in the backfield the way he is right now, the Knights edge defender could be on the final Mr. Football list at season's end.    (S) [player_tooltip player_id='200381' first='Mark' last='Joseph'] - Sheffield: The Knights have leaned on Joseph this season to man the QB role & he is putting up some big numbers while doing so. Joseph has produced over 1,200 yards of offense while also picking off six passes on defense.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/jordharris-crop-1327x871-1664559183.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-462923" width="391" height="256" /></figure>     Class 4A    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='102284' first='Walker' last='Martinez'] - Anderson Co.:  An accurate passer who has thrown for over 1,500 yards so far while leading his team to a 6-0 start to the season, Martinez has bounced back big time after missing most of last season.   (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='102362' first='Chandler' last='Wilson'] - Carter: One of the top statistical passers in the state, Wilson has tossed 16 TD's on 1,772 yards passing with just 5 Int's. Expect him to up more big numbers as the season rolls along.    ‘24 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='207322' first='Carter' last='Smith'] - Hardin Co.: Smith is the leader & top offensive talent for his Tigers that has thrown for over 1,500 yards thus far with 18 touchdowns.    ‘24 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='149844' first='Cordero' last='Walker'] - Haywood: An athletic lefty with a gamer mentality, Walker has been the straw that has stirred the drink for his undefeated Tomcats team this season and his best days are ahead of him.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='201094' first='Braylon' last='Cato'] - Fayette-Ware: Cato sits currently in the top ten of rushing throughout the state (1,049 yds & 15 TD's) & has been the key catalyst for the Wildcats offense this season.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='259585' first='Juan' last='Bullard'] - East Hamilton: After their starting QB went down for the season, Bullard took the role behind center & has been the do-everything offensive threat for his Hurricanes squad.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='204133' first='Kaleb' last='Harper'] - Carter: Harper has been the go-to guy on offense for the Hornets this year, putting up several 100 yard plus games while scoring five touchdowns so far on the season.    (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='102269' first='Mason' last='Laws'] - Greeneville: This East Tennessee product has been a go-to, dynamic player for his Green Devils and is producing on both sides of the ball.    (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='150317' first='Marcellus' last='Jackson'] - Fulton: The Falcons star player could be the leader in the clubhouse right as he has produced over 1,800 yards of offense himself and he still has at least four games remaining.    ‘24 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='372302' first='Brady' last='Lane'] - Stone Memorial: Starring for his undefeated team, Lane has been everywhere on defense for his team so far this season while also contributing over on offense.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/07/wmartinez-1024x732.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-396050" width="355" height="254" /><figcaption>Photo: Oakridger.com</figcaption></figure>     Class 5A    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='295457' first='Coby' last='Walton'] - Nolensville: A recent commit to Ga Southern, Walton has been near flawless so far this season, throwing the ball with efficiency & leading his team to a current undefeated record.    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='102204' first='Devon' last='Crenshaw'] - Springfield: Crenshaw has been near unstoppable thus far. He has his team at 6-0 currently while putting up 957 yards passing while running for 563 yards & producing 22 total touchdowns.    ‘24 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='268184' first='Joshuah' last='Keith'] - Clinton: The Dragons are in contention for a nice seed come playoff season & Keith is a big factor why. He has thrown the ball for over 1,300 yards & 19 touchdowns while helping his offense average more than 30 points per game.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='102219' first='Malaki' last='Dowell'] - White Co.: This could be the leader in the clubhouse for 5A Mr. Football. Dowell has been one of the biggest stories of the season thus far as he leads the state in rushing and touchdowns with 27.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='102176' first='DeSean' last='Bishop'] - Karns: The reigning 5A Mr. Football is putting up another big season & will be in the mix as a finalist come season's end. The future Chanticleer has been dominating games, helping his Beavers to a current 4-2 record.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='119168' first='Braxton' last='Sharp'] - Munford: One of the best teams in 5A this season has been Munford & Sharp has been a major reason towards that undefeated start. His elusive running has been a problem for opposing defenses this season.    ‘24 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='277792' first='Frank' last='Johnson IV'] - Knox. Central: It will be tough for Johnson to overtake Dowell or Bishop but this junior runner is putting everybody on notice for Mr. Football next year as he has rushed for 1,120 yards & 13 touchdowns so far this season.    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='201083' first='Eli' last='Denton'] - Walker Valley: Denton is a candidate for Mr. Football as he leads the entire state in tackles at the moment and has been a consistent force for his Mustangs defense week in and week out.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/mdowell3-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-446552" width="296" height="296" /></figure>     Class 6A    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='150308' first='Jack' last='Risner'] - Blackman: One of the top passers in the state so far this season, Risner has been clutch this season, leading his team to a current 5-1 record while putting up 18 touchdowns through the air.    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='268153' first='Kade' last='Hewitt'] - Oakland: The Patriots are undefeated yet again at this point & Hewitt is a big reason why. This dual threat QB is putting up solid numbers both through the air and on the ground while running the offense in an efficient manner.    ‘24 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='258673' first='Aidan' last='Glover'] - Collierville: Glover has been dynamic for his Dragons offense this year. He is an efficient, accurate passer (1,051 yds & 18 TD's) that handles the pocket very well & puts the ball on time for his receivers to make plays.    (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='102193' first='Arion' last='Carter'] - Smyrna: The Bulldogs have asked a lot of Carter this season, being their go-to back on offense while roaming the field on defense at linebacker. He is putting up solid numbers but shows the potential to explode for even more down the back half of the season.    ‘24 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='277794' first='Damon' last='Sisa'] - Houston: At this point in the season, Sisa leads the 6A ranks in rushing at 780 yards & 11 touchdowns but can he keep it up as defense's are starting to key on him. We shall see but this is a definite Mr. Football candidate for the next two years.    ‘24 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='149149' first='Taner' last='Lee'] - Centennial: The Cougars are 5-1 so far this season & have a well balanced offense with Lee taking the reins at running back and churning out 628 yards & 8 touchdowns thus far.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='297330' first='Anthony' last='Crowell'] - Lebanon: Crowell has been Mr. Everything for his Blue Devils team this season leading the squad in receptions, receiving yards, kick and punt return yards while developing into a legit college prospect that is still waiting on those offers.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='102184' first='Justin' last='Brown'] - Blackman: This is a sleeper 6A Mr. Football candidate as Brown has solid numbers thus far with the upside to put up more inside the Blackman's gunslinging offense.   (Ath) J.P Courtney - Beech: The Bucs are quietly putting together another strong season as they sit at 4-1 with Courtney being a main focal point on both sides of the ball, leading the team in rushing and second in tackles.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/arcarter.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-285965" width="237" height="237" /></figure>     D2-Class A    (QB) Garrett Weekly - FCS: The Commanders are undefeated & look like the team beat in D2-Class A this season with Weekly running the show at QB & putting up some big numbers (1,047 yds passing & 12 TD's/366 yds rushing & 9 TD's)   (QB/Ath) D.J. Merriweather - Clarksville Acad.: This guy could be one of the bigger surprises to make the Mr. Football list of finalists by season's end as he is putting up huge numbers so far, both through the air & on the ground.    ‘24 (QB/Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='268190' first='Kyle' last='Davidson'] - Franklin-Grace: Through six weeks, Davidson leads the D2-Class A ranks in total touchdowns & I only see him adding to that as the season rolls along. This could be a guy you see on this list two years in a row.    (RB) Kameron Boyd - Jackson Chrst.: The Eagles are playing good football right now, sitting at 4-1 with Boyd being the featured offensive prospect as he leads the team in rushing at 657 yards & 9 touchdowns.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='323151' first='Jacques' last='Wyatt III'] - Clarksville Acad.: The main target for Merriweather this has been Wyatt & he is stringing together some top notch performances as he sits with 445 yards receiving & 9 TD's at this point in the season.    ‘24 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='149160' first='Brock' last='Montgomery'] - FCS: Montgomery has been one of the top breakout stars in the Middle Tennessee area this season as he has produced some big time games & become the go-to guy for Weekly and his offensive teammates.    ‘24 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='277767' first='Jayce' last='Barksdale'] - USJ: One of the best two-way talents in the D2-Class A ranks is Barksdale & his stats warrant Mr. Football consideration (459 yds receiving & 7 TD's/20 tackles, 5 Int's on Defense)   (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='316011' first='Will' last='Keltner'] - TCA: Keltner leads his classification in tackles & has been a consistent force for his TCA defense this season while placing himself on the map as a legitimate college recruit.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/bmontgomery.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-430374" width="282" height="282" /></figure>     D2-Class AA    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='285338' first='Hank' last='Brown'] - Lipscomb Acad.: First year starting QB, Brown has been accurate & efficient while leading his team to an undefeated record so far and in prime position to help bring back to back state titles to the Mustangs program.    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='250834' first='Charles' last='Robinson'], Jr - Knox. Webb: This future Midshipmen is driving the ship in a great direction for his Spartans team as they sit undefeated currently & in prime position to contend for the D2-Class AA championship.    ‘24 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='250600' first='Jack' last='Patterson'] - Northpoint Chrst.: The Trojans are 4-1 at the moment with an offense that is putting up tons of points & Patterson is a big cause of that, throwing it for 1,266 yards thus far with 13 touchdown's and only 2 Int's.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='102265' first='Zamaryion' last='Kendall'] - Lausanne: The numbers may not be there at moment for Kendall but big opportunities are ahead for his power back to increase his rushing yards & put himself in contention for Mr. Football.    ‘24 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='150281' first='Ty' last='Clark III'] - FRA: One of the top rushers not only in the Mid-State area but also the entire state has been Clark as he has posted more than 800 yards rushing and scoring 10 plus touchdowns so far this season.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='185565' first='Jr' last='Sherrill'] - Lipscomb Acad.: Sherrill has been electric this season, showing off why he is a future SEC player as he leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.    ‘24 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='150277' first='Boo' last='Carter'] - Chatt. Chrst.: The most electric & athletic player in the state has been hard to handle this season as defense's have not been able to control Carter & the junior two-way talent has dominated every time he steps on the field.    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='150372' first='Bryan' last='Longwell'] - Lipscomb Acad.: Longwell has been putting on a defensive show so far this season. This guy has been everywhere, making consistent plays in the backfield, stopping runs on the outside & scoring touchdowns on defense.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/jrsherrill-crop-400x263-1660940692.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-420659" /></figure>     D2-Class AAA   (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='102308' first='Marcel' last='Reed'] - MBA: The Big Red have been well balanced on offense so far this season, so the big numbers aren't there for Reed but they are solid & he is the leader that runs the ship & has MBA currently undefeated headed into Week Seven.    (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='150305' first='Kenny' last='Minchey'] - Pope Prep: The Knights have leaned on both the passing game & rushing attack this season, so the numbers aren't large at the moment for Minchey but the efficiency is there as well as a strong QB Rating (146.3)   ‘24 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='323145' first='Whit' last='Muschamp'] - Baylor: Muschamp has been a big reason why the Red Raiders are undefeated at the moment & put on the field one of the better well balanced offenses in the state.    ‘24 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='287027' first='Jeremy' last='St-Hilaire'] - McCallie: With all the top QB talent in D2-Class AAA, St.Hilaire leads this classification in passing yards at the moment. So far at the midpoint, this Canadian QB has thrown for 933 yards with 9 TD's & 2 Int's.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='200429' first='Caleb' last='Hampton'] - Baylor: Hampton has been a workhorse for the Red Raiders this season, producing at a high level & pushing his recruiting stock up. Prediction …Mr. Football finalist.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='273455' first='Johnothan' last='Moore'] - MBA: One of the biggest surprises at the midway point thus far has been Moore as he leads the D2-Class AAA ranks in rushing at 787 yards with 12 touchdowns & 0 fumbles.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='317206' first='Deuce' last='Scott'] - Brentwood Acad.: The Eagles have played a tough schedule thus far, so sitting at 4-2 is a good mark & a big reason for this start has been the play of Scott. This big, bruising back has been a workhorse & someone the Eagles can lean on throughout an entire game.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='337227' first='Josh' last='Mailander'] - Pope Prep: Mailander has been a key component on both sides of the ball for Knights this season as he leads the D2-3A ranks in receiving yards (480), tied in TD's (7) and leading in interceptions with five.    ‘24 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='362094' first='A.J.' last='Barbat'] - Brentwood Acad.: Week in & week out, Barbat has been producing big numbers at a high level & developing himself into one of the better defensive college prospects in the greater Middle Tennessee area.    ‘24 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1020610' first='Hudson' last='Shoaf'] - MUS: This guy has been an absolute force on defense for the Owls this season as making tackles everywhere on the field while also creating & making big plays (52 tcks, 15 TFL, 1 PD & 3 sacks)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/champton-906x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-444338" width="343" height="388" /><figcaption>Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / Baylor (34) [player_tooltip player_id='200429' first='Caleb' last='Hampton'] looks for running room. The Chattanooga Christian School Chargers hosted the Baylor School Red Raiders Friday.</figcaption></figure>