Class 2A Pre-season Mr. Football Candidates

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The battle to win top individual honors in the Class 2A ranks won't be easy this year as you have several strong candidates and some others that might sneak up and put themselves in the mix! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leaders In The Clubhouse - Top Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323144' first='Nick' last='Brown'] </strong>- Mt. Pleasant</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Tigers are excited about the upcoming season and their chances at competing for a 2A title and a big reason for that excitement is the return of Brown behind center. This 6'2 passer is a hidden gem that is still raw in some areas but sports excellent upside and the passing talents to put up big numbers this Fall, placing himself in strong contention for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown put together a solid off-season this year where I was able to see him in person several times and I can tell he has improved, especially with his accuracy and timing. His presence for the Tigers offense will be critical in the team's efforts towards competing for a region and possibly state title this year. If Brown and the Tigers have a successful 2023 season, this senior quarterback could very well be in the mix of finalists for Class 2A Mr. Football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":583542,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/01/nickbrown-crop-352x231-1672936247.jpg?w=351" alt="" class="wp-image-583542" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>----------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='362006' first='Brycen' last='McDonald'] </strong>- Lewis Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- McDonald had a breakout campaign last year as a sophomore where he put up big numbers through the air along with showcasing a powerful right arm that plays up well on the collegiate level. Headed into his junior season, the Panthers gunslinger is quietly building a profile that will turn himself into a legit D1, possible P5 quarterback but continued work must be done. All the physical tools are there for McDonald to not only lead the 2A ranks in passing but also become a clear cut candidate for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers are built up front to compete with anybody in Class 2A, so McDonald should have plenty of protection up front to stay healthy and spin the ball down field. He also shows early maturity with feeling the rush and getting the ball out quickly. If McDonald takes another big step in his progression this Fall, he won't only contend for Mr. Football but he could take his recruiting stock to another level that has bigger schools taking notice.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258659' first='Sam' last='Willoughby'] </strong>- Fayetteville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sporting great size, athleticism and a cannon left arm, this Mid-Tennessee quarterback has the tools to lead his team to Chattanooga for the Class 2A championship but also but himself squarely in the mix to win Mr. Football. Willoughby not only can sling it but is also a dynamic runner that can hit the hole and find the end zone quickly. He is the kind of big play talent sitting on a championship caliber team that fits the bill of a future Mr. Football winner as Willoughby has two years remaining of high school ball left and he is still coming into his own as a player.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'6 lefty will have plenty of help from one of the best offensive lines in the Class 2A ranks along with some skill players around him that should help his passing numbers. Willoughby does need to continue developing as a quarterback and passer but from an athletic standpoint, there aren't too many others on the 2A level better than him. It would not be surprising at all to see the Tiger junior product walk away with Mr. Football honors by season's end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":896673,"width":457,"height":526,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/swilloughby.jpeg?w=890" alt="" class="wp-image-896673" width="457" height="526" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>---------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='362098' first='Desmond' last='Thomas'] </strong>- Riverside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Thomas has been a highly productive player at Riverside for multiple season's now and headed into his senior season, he is the bell cow back for the Panthers who can not only help lead his team into state title contention but also a contender for Mr. Football as well. Thomas is a two-way competitor who might head to college at linebacker but his play at running back will be critical for the Panthers this year and their hopes at competing for a 2A state championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This West Tennessee product is a big, physical dude that runs downhill and provides a tough challenge for the opposition due to his power and lower base strength. Playing on this 2A level and alongside a talented Panthers team, Thomas should have every opportunity to put up some big numbers this season, not just on offense but on defense as well. Some may see this West Tennessee product as a dark horse for Mr. Football but I see him as a top contender and someone to watch this Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>----------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258804' first='K.J.' last='Jackson'] </strong>- Fayetteville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Two years ago, this Mid-Tennessee back burst onto the scene in a big way but buzz surrounding Jackson has been quiet for some time now and headed into his senior season, things have remained dormant but he is still talented and a top contender for Class 2A Mr. Football. Well balanced with a nice vision and great burst, Jackson is a big play back that can produce big gains and find the end zone quickly. He is also able to catch out of the backfield, so the Tigers senior back brings a lot of value to the backfield that makes him a prime Mr. Football contender.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The backfield will be shared with Willoughby, so while plenty of carries should be there for Jackson, he will have to share the load but that may be a good thing for the senior back and his durability should be maintained throughout the season. Jackson is a talented back that brings the wow factor to the gridiron, so it will be interesting to see his performance this season and if it's strong, Mr. Football will certainly be in the cards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":272970,"width":426,"height":426,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/kjjackson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-272970" width="426" height="426" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-----------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (RB/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497421' first='Isaiah' last='Groves'] </strong>- East Robertson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Many people might think that the Indians senior Kenutcky commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='332217' first='Elijah' last='Groves'] </strong>is the team's top candidate for Mr. Football and he is in the mix but it's the younger Groves that I feel could have a breakout junior season and become the squad's top contender. Sporting good size with speed and a second gear, Groves is a bonafide D1, possible Power Five prospect that will be possibly the best that the Indians competition will see all season, meaning the rising junior should put up some big numbers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another big reason why Groves will be in contention for Mr. Football is because his Indians team are top contenders for the Class 2A state championship, so the junior athlete will be under the spotlight all season long. While he should be the main guy at running back, Groves will also play defensive back as well and should have plenty of opportunities for interceptions, boosting his stats further. We shall see how things play out in the end but Groves is a dark horse to come away as Class 2A Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='520487' first='Jacquan' last='Davis'] </strong>- Fairley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Leading the state in interceptions last year and returning for his senior season, Davis has to be considered a top Mr. Football contender doesn't he? I think so as this West Tennessee product simply has a nose for the ball and I expect him to put another strong season on the gridiron this Fall that will not only put him in contention for Mr. Football but also boost his recruiting stock as well. Davis is already considered a Top defensive back by #PRZTN but could move even higher with another strong season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs senior defensive back is a ball hawk with a built in radar that knows where the football is and how to get there and make a play. Davis will be playing cover corner for his Fairley team but has a versatile skill set to take on multiple roles within the secondary. There is no question to me that Davis will make All-State but will he be in contention for Mr. Football by season's end? That is very possible!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Contenders: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='332217' first='Elijah' last='Groves']</strong> - East Robertson, (WR/TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='433153' first='Carson' last='Pruitt']</strong> - Milan<strong>, </strong>(QB/Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='362081' first='Kobyn' last='Calhoun']</strong> - Trousdale Co.<strong>, </strong>(TE/DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445122' first='Tucker' last='Kyne']</strong> - Cannon Co.<strong>, </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390592' first='Carter' last='Daniel']</strong> - Loretto<strong>, </strong>(QB/Ath) <strong>Dontez McKinley </strong>- Trezevant</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":899800,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/jacdavis2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-899800" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->