D2-Class AAA Preview: Predictions, MVP’s & More

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Power football is played on this level! D2-Class AAA presents you more than a handful of championship caliber teams along with multiple Power Five prospects spread throughout this classification. C/o our preseason preview here &amp; where we think everything stacks up headed into the 2023 season. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Region&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Baylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. McCallie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Brentwood Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Lipscomb Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. MBA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Knox. Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region MVP: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323145' first='Whit' last='Muschamp'] </strong>- Baylor&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre'] </strong>- Brentwood Academy ‘25&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POTY: </strong>(DL/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149168' first='Hank' last='Weber'] </strong>- Brentwood Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150276' first='Edwin' last='Spillman'] </strong>- Lipscomb Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":756843,"width":431,"height":431,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/espillman.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-756843" style="width:431px;height:431px" width="431" height="431" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Region&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Ensworth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Briarcrest Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. MUS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Father Ryan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Christian Brothers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region MVP: </strong>(RB/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754806' first='Zaidyn' last='Moore'] </strong>- Ensworth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='311787' first='Cade' last='Carlson'] </strong>- Briarcrest Chrst.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POTY: </strong>‘25 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219447' first='Ethan' last='Utley'] </strong>- Ensworth ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>‘25 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219426' first='Sam' last='Haley'] </strong>- Ensworth ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-----------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D2-Class AAA Preseason Mr. Football Candidates</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323145' first='Whit' last='Muschamp'] - Baylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Muschamp returns for his senior season as the D2-Class AAA starting quarterback for last year's state title team, so to me there is no question that this Chattanooga area signal caller is a definite Mr. Football candidate and probably one of the leaders in the clubhouse to win this award. Taking home top individual honors this year will definitely be earned as Muschamp doesn't have the O-line in front of him like he did last year but I still think he will not only be in contention for Mr. Football but also compete for back to back state championships.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winning both awards this year will be hard because the D2-Class AAA ranks is the toughest classification in the entire state and it got even better with the addition of Lipscomb Academy while other teams improved as well. Until someone knocks Baylor off the top of the mountain, the Red Raiders are the team to beat, meaning Muschamp will be under the spotlight all season long and if he produces at a high level amongst top competition, Mr. Football and another state title will certainly be in the cards.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='287027' first='Jeremy' last='St-Hilaire'] - McCallie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- St-Hilaire has to be considered a top contender for Mr. Football this year simply based on the fact that he is the starting quarterback for one of the best teams in the state this season that has a shot at winning a state championship. A strong armed passer with poise in the pocket, St-Hilaire has the luxury of having good skill players around him while sporting possibly the best team defense in the state, so this native Canadian should win a bunch of ball games this year that puts him in the mix for tons of postseason awards.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm sure St-Hilaire would much rather end his high school career with a state title but the future Vanderbilt Commodore would certainly be ok with winning Mr. Football as a consolation prize. He should be in the mix due to his passing skill set and strong right arm but also because of his team's success. It will be a hard path as the D2-Class AAA East Region is ultra hard with Baylor, BA, LA and MBA in their path but if the Blue Tornado succeeds, St-Hilaire should be standing in Nashville as a Mr. Football at season's end as a Mr. Football finalist.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='311787' first='Cade' last='Carlson'] - Briarcrest Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the top sleeper Mr. Football candidates on this list, Carlson is a strong armed lefty that gained good experience last year and steps into his senior season as a top 15 ranked quarterback prospect in the state and a gunslinger that can bring the Saints back to winning prominence. Briarcrest has been in a bit of a rebuilding mode over the past two years but they may be back and ready to compete for a region title with Carlson being a key reason why. The 6 '2 lefty has several good pieces around him on offense while having the looks of a solid defense that should allow him plenty of opportunities to be on the field. Carlson will have every chance this season to show out as he will play top level teams, which in turn should put him in the conversation for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big expectations don't need to be put on Carlson but this is his senior year and he is still uncommitted, so you can bet the Saints quarterback is ready to compete and prove his worth against strong competition while putting his team back on the map. If he does all that, Carlson should be considered for Mr. Football and a sleeper to be a finalist come December. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":580422,"width":464,"height":303,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/01/ccarlson.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-580422" style="width:464px;height:303px" width="464" height="303" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre'] - Brentwood Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- All eyes will be on this Mid-Tennessee junior quarterback this year as MacIntyre comes into the 2023 season as the state's top college prospect for the #TN2025 class and a clear cut contender for Mr. Football but the competition will be hard to win top individual honors this year. While being ultra talented, MacIntyre is up against some of the best quarterbacks in the state as well as a few veterans that should be ahead of him in the pecking order.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles junior quarterback can overcome being the underclassmen against vets by putting together a monster season through the air as well as lead his Brentwood Academy team to a possible region title and a playoff run that ends in Chattanooga. If MacIntyre can defeat teams like Baylor, Lipscomb and McCallie, then he deserves to be in consideration for Mr. Football and might even be the winner because of those victories. We shall see what happens but expect to see MacIntyre's name a part of the Mr. Football conversation for the next two years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='350918' first='Deuce' last='Knight'] - Lipscomb Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A recent addition to the great state of Tennessee, Knight comes into the Lipscomb program as already known guy but with him being in a new territory, this 6'5 junior lefty must earn his keep and I think he will, becoming a possible finalist for Mr. Football by the end of the regular season. This is a dynamic playmaker from the quarterback position that can cause a lot of problems for the opposition due to his ability to run but also his left arm that can push the ball deep down field. Those offensive skills along with his team's success should put Knight into consideration for Mr. Football this year and next.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a lot for me and others in this state to learn about this junior quarterback but on the surface, you can see why Knight is a Power Five offered prospect and one of the top dual threat signal callers in the state. Winning Mr. Football and more importantly, winning a state championship will boost this guy's stock even further but all that has yet to be accomplished but Knight is certainly a talent to pay attention to the next two years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill'] - Brentwood Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the fastest players not just from the Mid-Tennessee region but the entire state, Hill made the move recently to Brentwood Academy to become their top running back and if he goes off like I think he will, this 5 '10 junior should be in the mix for Mr. Football. Hill is a big play threat anytime the ball touches his hands as he has the speed to find the end zone quickly or breakaway from defenders. He sports the kind athletic abilities and speed to put up some big numbers this year and forcing voters to make him a Mr. Football finalist.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles have multiple playmakers spread throughout their team with maybe HIll being the best of them all. He should have plenty of carries this year but his quarterback will spread the ball around due to the Eagles having several athletic prospects on offense, meaning Hill may have to share the load. Even if this Mid-Tennessee talent doesn't make the finalists for Mr. Football this year, he definitely should next year as possibly the top running back prospect in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841287' first='Micah' last='Burton'] - Lipscomb Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A sleeper prospect for Mr.Football this season, Burton is a well balanced ball carrier that should take on a bigger load this year and even though he will have the share the backfield with another, the Mustangs junior running back should breakout into not just a top player at his position but someone that could sneak into the Mr. Football conversation as well. Burton is a well built young man that already has the look of a future college player and he can boost his stock further with increased explosion and speed this season as well as producing at a high level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs have a multitude of weapons on the offensive side of the ball but Burton should be one of the more important pieces as he provides balance and the ability to keep the clock in their favor. It will be interesting to see how the Lipscomb offensive staff distributes the touches and uses Burton this season because if he becomes a major focal point, watch out for this junior back to become a Mr. Football sleeper.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Contenders: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='959429' first='Javon' last='McMahan'] </strong>- McCallie, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='311793' first='JoJo' last='Saleem'] </strong>- Briarcrest Chrst., (DL/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149168' first='Hank' last='Weber'] </strong>- Brentwood Acad., ‘25 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219412' first='Chauncey' last='Gooden'] </strong>- Lipscomb Acad., (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754806' first='Zaidyn' last='Moore'] </strong>- Ensworth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":955247,"width":437,"height":541,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/dknigh.jpeg?w=825" alt="" class="wp-image-955247" style="width:437px;height:541px" width="437" height="541" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->