Mid-Season Mr. Football Candidates/Contenders
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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. Class 1A (QB) Landon Ramsey Landon Ramsey 6'2" | 225 lbs…
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Continue ReadingTons 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.
Class 1A
(QB) Landon Ramsey Landon Ramsey 6'2" | 225 lbs | QB Unaka | 2023 TN – 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) Sam Driggers Sam Driggers 6'0" | 200 lbs | QB Peabody | 2023 State TN – 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) Jackson Cassidy Jackson Cassidy 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB McKenzie | 2023 State TN – 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) Tatum Oliver Tatum Oliver 6'0" | 225 lbs | LB Dresden | 2023 TN – 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) Dawson White Dawson White 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Moore Co. | 2024 TN – 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) Marquez Taylor Marquez Taylor 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB McKenzie | 2023 State TN – 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) Kumaro Brown Kumaro Brown 6'2" | 180 lbs | ATH M.A.H.S. | 2024 State TN – 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) Kamden Wellington Kamden Wellington 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH South Pittsburg | 2024 State TN – 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.
Class 2A
(QB) Josh Jackson Josh Jackson 6'4" | 215 lbs | QB Tyner Academy | 2023 State TN – 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) Brycen McDonald Brycen McDonald 6'4" | 190 lbs | QB Lewis Co. | 2025 State TN – 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) Markel McKinley Markel McKinley 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Tyner Acad. | 2023 State TN – 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) Mason Bowman Mason Bowman 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Monterey | 2023 State TN – 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) Jacob Arnold Jacob Arnold 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Union City | 2024 TN – 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) Dyer Barnes Dyer Barnes 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Lewis County | 2023 State TN – 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) Zecheriah Prince Zecheriah Prince 6'2" | 200 lbs | ATH East Robertson | 2023 State TN – 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.
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) Zach Lunsford Zach Lunsford 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Alcoa | 2023 State TN – 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) Brady Hammonds Brady Hammonds 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Gatlinburg-Pittman | 2024 State TN : 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) Tegan Avera Tegan Avera 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Sevier Co. | 2025 State TN – 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) Jordan Harris Jordan Harris 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB Alcoa | 2023 State TN – 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) Kamauri Turner Kamauri Turner 5'9" | 165 lbs | ATH Giles Co. | 2024 State TN – 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) Mark Joseph Mark Joseph 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Sheffield | 2023 State TN – 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.
Class 4A
(QB) Walker Martinez Walker Martinez 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Anderson County | 2023 State TN – 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) Chandler Wilson Chandler Wilson 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB Carter | 2023 TN – 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) Carter Smith Carter Smith 6'3" | 210 lbs | QB Hardin Co. | 2024 State TN – 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) Cordero Walker Cordero Walker 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Germantown | 2024 State TN – 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) Braylon Cato Braylon Cato 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Fayette Ware | 2023 State TN – 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) Juan Bullard Juan Bullard 6'1" | 205 lbs | RB East Hamilton | 2023 State TN – 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) Kaleb Harper Kaleb Harper 5'9" | 160 lbs | WR Carter | 2023 TN – 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) Mason Laws Mason Laws 6'0" | 165 lbs | ATH Greeneville | 2023 TN – 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) Marcellus Jackson Marcellus Jackson 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR Fulton | 2023 State TN – 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) Brady Lane Brady Lane 6'4" | 225 lbs | LB Stone Memorial | 2024 TN – 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.
Class 5A
(QB) Coby Walton Coby Walton 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Nolensville | 2023 State TN – 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) Devon Crenshaw Devon Crenshaw 6'3" | 225 lbs | QB Springfield | 2023 State TN – 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) Joshuah Keith Joshuah Keith 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB Clinton | 2024 State TN – 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) Malaki Dowell Malaki Dowell 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB White Co. | 2023 State TN – 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) DeSean Bishop DeSean Bishop 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Karns | 2023 State TN – 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) Braxton Sharp Braxton Sharp 5'9" | 160 lbs | ATH Brighton | 2023 TN – 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) Frank Johnson IV Frank Johnson IV 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Knox. Central | 2024 TN – 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) Eli Denton Eli Denton 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Walker Valley | 2023 State TN – 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.
Class 6A
(QB) Jack Risner Jack Risner 6'5" | 220 lbs | QB Blackman | 2023 State TN – 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) Kade Hewitt Kade Hewitt 6'1" | 215 lbs | QB Oakland | 2023 TN – 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) Aidan Glover Aidan Glover 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Collierville | 2024 State TN – 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) Arion Carter Arion Carter 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Smyrna | 2023 State TN – 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) Damon Sisa Damon Sisa 5'8" | 165 lbs | RB Houston | 2024 State TN – 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) Taner Lee Taner Lee 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Centennial | 2024 State TN – 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) Anthony Crowell Anthony Crowell 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Lebanon | 2023 State TN – 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) Justin Brown Justin Brown 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Blackman | 2023 State TN – 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.
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) Kyle Davidson Kyle Davidson 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Franklin-Grace | 2024 TN – 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) Jacques Wyatt III Jacques Wyatt III 6'5" | 190 lbs | WR Clarksville Acad. | 2023 State TN – 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) Brock Montgomery Brock Montgomery 6'3" | 205 lbs | WR Riverdale | 2024 State TN – 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) Jayce Barksdale Jayce Barksdale 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Venice | 2024 FL – 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) Will Keltner Will Keltner 6'0" | 225 lbs | LB Trinity Christian Academy | 2023 TN – 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.
D2-Class AA
(QB) Hank Brown Hank Brown 6'4" | 200 lbs | QB Lipscomb Acad. | 2023 State TN – 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) Charles Robinson Charles Robinson 6'1" | 165 lbs | QB Webb | 2023 TN , 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) Jack Patterson Jack Patterson 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Northpoint Christian | 2024 State TN – 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) Zamaryion Kendall Zamaryion Kendall 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Lausanne | 2023 State TN – 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) Ty Clark III Ty Clark III 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB FRA | 2024 State TN – 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) Junior Sherrill Junior Sherrill 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Lipscomb Academy | 2023 State TN – 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) Boo Carter Boo Carter 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH Bradley Central | 2024 State TN – 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) Bryan Longwell Bryan Longwell 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Lipscomb Academy | 2023 State TN – 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.
D2-Class AAA
(QB) Marcel Reed Marcel Reed 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB MBA | 2023 State TN – 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) Kenny Minchey Kenny Minchey 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Pope Prep | 2023 State TN – 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) Whit Muschamp Whit Muschamp 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Baylor | 2024 State TN – 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) Jeremy St-Hilaire Jeremy St-Hilaire 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB McCallie | 2024 State TN – 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) Caleb Hampton Caleb Hampton 5'10" | 210 lbs | RB Baylor | 2023 State TN – 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) Johnothan Moore Johnothan Moore 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB MBA | 2023 State TN – 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) Deuce Scott Deuce Scott 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB Brentwood Acad. | 2023 State TN – 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) Josh Mailander Josh Mailander 6'3" | 190 lbs | ATH Pope Prep | 2023 State TN – 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) A.J. Barbat A.J. Barbat 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Brentwood Acad. | 2024 State TN – 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) Hudson Shoaf Hudson Shoaf 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB MUS | 2024 State TN – 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)