D2-Class AAA POTY/Title Contenders

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Within the toughest classification of all in the state of Tennessee, the D2-Class AAA ranks was tough to predict our pre-season players of the years but we got the job done! We also provide below our top contenders to achieve a state title this year, which will be fun and tough for all involved. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pre-season Honors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D2-Class AAA MVP: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1058887' first='Shekai' last='Mills-Knight'] - Baylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. Player of the Year: </strong>‘26 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Schneider'] - McCallie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. Player of the Year: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219426' first='Sam' last='Haley'] - Ensworth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman of the Year: </strong>(OG) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219412' first='Chauncey' last='Gooden'] - Lipscomb Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Underclassmen of the Year: </strong>‘26 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker'] - Briarcrest Chrst.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Erik Kimrey - Baylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1188787,"width":"375px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/smknight.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1188787" style="width:375px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BaylorSchool.org</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Title Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baylor Red Raiders - East Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Winning the D2-Class AAA state title is a tough path to take but these Red Raiders appear well equipped to make it there this year and possibly win the whole thing. Going into the 2024 season, Baylor is viewed by many as “the” top overall team in the entire state and that's due to a strong coaching staff and a loaded roster. As of right now, there doesn't appear to be many weaknesses throughout this team as they have every level squared away with some talented players that you will be seeing on the collegiate field in the coming future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offense could be nasty and it all starts up front with the best O-line in the state, led by senior and Georgia Tech commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219445' first='Jimmy' last='Bryson']. </strong>The line will be supported nicely by a balanced attack between the passing of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry'] </strong>to guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220241' first='Joakim' last='Dodson']</strong> and a strong run game with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1058887' first='Shekai' last='Mills-Knight'] </strong>toting the ball. This offense has a chance to not only be explosive through the air but also show the game down with a ground and pound attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over on defense, this unit might be quite salty this year with one of the top linebacking corps in the state leading the way. D1 commits <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206015' first='Joel' last='Lowenberg'] </strong>(MTSU) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923598' first='Bradley' last='Ilunga-Bisselele'] </strong>(Buffalo) are top ten ranked backers by #PRZTN that should be leaders and highly productive players each and every week. The linebackers are complimented nicely by a solid front four, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206484' first='C.J.' last='Wyller'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924551' first='Raphy' last='Nkunzimana'] </strong>while the secondary should supply blanket coverage on the back end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every piece is in place for the Red Raiders to have a special 2024 year but it won't be easy as they will face top level competition almost every week of the season. Another Chattanooga based team within the same region will be right there with Baylor competing for the title, along with a few others. While I think it won't be easy for Baylor, I do think they are the best team in the D2-Class AAA ranks and a squad that should find themselves in the title game for the third year in a row.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie Blue Tornado - East Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off their fifth football state title, McCallie is looking to be repeat champs this year, however it will be a tough road but I think the Blue Tornado with their talented roster and tradition will be right there in the mix for another championship this season. What could be different this year is how the job gets done as McCallie will be implementing some new players into starting roles, so it could take some time for the entire team to gel together. I don't think it will take too long though as this year's Blue Tornado has some serious star power, especially at the skill position on both sides of the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior playmaker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Schneider'] </strong>is the team's top college prospect and one guy who can take over a game with his speed. He will certainly be targeted by opposing teams to slow down, so McCallie must find some help around him. That should come by way of senior transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207515' first='Hunter' last='Glasgow']</strong> and senior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892340' first='Keylan' last='Syam']</strong>. All three of those guys will be given the ball by Canadian quarterback transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467540' first='Elliott' last='Drapeau']</strong>, who is a 6 '6 lefty with smooth throwing mechanics. Where the biggest question mark resides is with their offensive line. If the front five can come together, this offense could be potent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively is where McCallie looks to be very strong with a unit that could single handedly push them to the D2-Class AAA title game. It starts up front in the trenches with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='867171' first='Jaden' last='Hudgins']</strong>, <strong>Mael Rodney</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='281578' first='Eythan' last='Serrano'] </strong>and others. Their big men should be complimented nicely by a solid linebacking corps, led by senior studs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221869' first='Bear' last='Cortes'] </strong>and <strong>Ryan Larrabe </strong>with good underclassmen behind them in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206141' first='Gabe' last='Abercrombie'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212419' first='Cooper' last='Gentle']</strong>. All these players mentioned will perform better due to the talent on the back end, locking up receivers. McCallie might have the best secondary in the state with juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402532' first='Chaston' last='Smith'] </strong>and <strong>De'Shun Tipton </strong>locking things down at cornerback with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219372' first='Carson' last='Lawrence'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1128449' first='Sean' last='Couvertiere'] </strong>being ball hawking safeties.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a tradition rich program that yet again has a talented roster that can play their way into title contention. Things are being run by a new coaching staff as well but I don't think that will matter as this Blue Tornado team has too many strong pieces to not find success. It won't be easy this year as the D2-Class AAA ranks are loaded but McCallie sits at the top for title contending teams that can bring their 6th “Gold Ball” back to campus.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lipscomb Academy Mustangs - East Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Yes the top two teams mentioned above might be the top contenders for the D2-Class AAA title but if any team can push those two out of the way, it's the Mustangs. Being coached by a new staff this season, Lipscomb Academy has the roster to make some major waves this year and play their way into title contention and a big reason why I think that can happen is due to the line of scrimmage. The Mustangs have an O-line that can be compared to Baylor's as the best in the state as they sport “the” top prospect from his position in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219412' first='Chauncey' last='Gooden']</strong>. The future Colorado Buffalo is supported up front by some talented dudes in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258663' first='Jon' last='Adair'] </strong>(Committed to Virginia), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466272' first='Noah' last='Hacker'] </strong>and underclassmen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='855611' first='Cain' last='Swader']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866766' first='Weston' last='Hicks'] </strong>and others.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":863282,"width":"337px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/jadair.jpg?w=600" alt="" class="wp-image-863282" style="width:337px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The line of scrimmage on defense is strong too as the Mustangs might have the best unit up front in the D2-Class AAA ranks. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219400' first='Antonio' last='Carter, Jr'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323137' first='Amir' last='Leonard-Jean Charles'] </strong>are two of the best D-linemen from our #TN2025 class that will be hard to slow down this year. They should shine due to depth around them in juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='824735' first='Danny' last='Brown']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230488' first='Kobie' last='Collins'] </strong>and <strong>Tristan Dillon</strong>. Winning the line of scrimmage in football almost ,means winning championships and the Mustangs are well equipped in this area that do just that. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond the big men in the trenches, Lipscomb Academy has a bevy of college talent spread across the roster that can push the Mustangs into title contention this season. They have one of the top quarterbacks in the state in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219425' first='Tav' last='Shaffer']</strong> and he is supported by a strong rushing attack, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301396' first='Andrew' last='Patterson, Jr'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841287' first='Micah' last='Burton']</strong>. Over on defense, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219367' first='Kris' last='Thompson'] </strong>is your tackling machine that should see his production increase this season. The secondary will be good, led by star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='328635' first='C.J.' last='Jimcoily'] </strong>with seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1299055' first='Nick' last='Duke'] </strong>and <strong>Coen Michel </strong>supporting him. Others should step forward into lead roles and help fill out a defense that could be dominating by the end of the year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big time success can happen this year for Lipscomb Academy but they must get past Baylor, McCallie and several others. I think the pieces are in place to do so. This 2024 team just has to come together and find that recipe that will get them to Chattanooga. It should be fun to watch this squad progress throughout the season and see if they can overcome tough challenges to find themselves in position to make it into the D2-Class AAA title game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy Eagles - East Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When you have the top quarterback in the state in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre']</strong>, you have to be in the conversation for state title contending teams right? Well we all thought that headed into the 2023 season but the Eagles had a disappointing year where they put forth a losing record. I think the Eagles can turn things around this Fall as the experience of last year will surely be at front of the minds of many, looking to right some wrongs and push this Brentwood Academy team into title contention.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It all starts with MacIntyre and his play at quarterback but he must receive better blocking up front to put together his best high school football season yet. If the big men up front can do their job, the Eagles have some serious talent at the skill positions that can be game changers. Senior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill'] </strong>is a big play waiting to happen that can be used in the slot as a receiver, if called upon. Currently committed to MTSU, receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625142' first='Neo' last='Clifton'] </strong>can become a dominating force this year, especially in the red zone. He will be complimented out wide by a talented sophomore in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] </strong>and two-way junior talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212335' first='Easton' last='Jointer']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1187055,"width":"293px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/nclifton.jpeg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-1187055" style="width:293px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I see the Eagles offense taking a step forward this season, I have questions about the defense and where they could be as a unit by season's end. They added a big piece up front this off-season in transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='403566' first='Stephon' last='Shivers']</strong>, who should make a major difference this year in stopping the run. Playing behind him are two solid linebackers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='939778' first='Gavin' last='Schaffer'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206237' first='Arkez' last='Fontenot']</strong> that could shine due to the addition of Shivers up front. Where the defensive strength could be for BA is in the secondary where they are led by vets like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219407' first='Kolbe' last='Harmon']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1071176' first='Isaiah' last='Williams']</strong>, <strong>Coleman Calmus</strong> and <strong>Wilkes Eaton</strong>. They are joined by Jointer and a few other underclassmen to provide depth and give the Eagles one of the better secondaries in this classification.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It will be very interesting to see how this team has grown together and matured over the past year. Expectations have been high since MacIntyre stepped onto the field but the Eagles have yet to live up to their potential. This 2024 season will be the last go-around with MacIntyre and a strong senior class around him to contend for the D2-Class AAA title. Many will look at the top three as the clear contenders but maybe Brentwood Academy can play spoiler this year and find their way to Chattanooga by the end of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ensworth Tigers - West Region</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The one team outside the East Region that can contend for the D2-Class AAA state championship is Ensworth. The Tigers return one of the better defenses in the state along with some up and coming talent on offense that could form together nicely by the end of the year. One thing that is brand new with this program is the coaching staff. Head coach <strong>Tim Hasselbeck </strong>brings his deep football knowledge to Ensworth and a new approach to a program that has a chance to be within the upper echelon in this classification for years to come.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If the Tigers are to contend for the D2-Class AAA title, their defense must show up each and every week and I think they have the capability of doing so. They are led by a strong senior class and front seven that sports #PRZTN Top 20 prospects in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219447' first='Ethan' last='Utley'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219426' first='Sam' last='Haley'] </strong>and they are joined by some talented guys in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390710' first='Micah' last='Smith']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267272' first='Jack' last='Watts']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854301' first='Andrew' last='Hogan'] </strong>and others. The front seven alone can dictate some games in the Tigers favor but what could make them elite is the coverage on the back end from guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492562' first='Justin' last='Hopkins'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305812' first='Bishop' last='Starling']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense should be fine this year but the offense has some questions headed into the Fall season that will certainly be answered through the first half of the year. As of now, it looks like junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153810' first='Taylor' last='Hasselbeck'] </strong>will take over the reins at quarterback and his play will be key to the offense's success. He should be complimented nicely by junior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1132842' first='Blake' last='Surratt']</strong>, who could become a breakout star this year. Juniors <strong>Demarii Thompson </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='953907' first='Ashton' last='Moore'] </strong>are two players to watch out for at receiver. The line could be solid too with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115191' first='Richard' last='Thigpen'] </strong>handling the blind side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall, this is a good first team under Coach Hasselbeck to work with and help grow into a region title contender. If things gel together well on offense and everybody remains healthy on defense, that region title is certainly in play as well as an outside shot at making it to Chattanooga for the D2-Class AAA title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two Sleeper Teams:<strong> MUS Owls, MBA Big Red</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1277349,"width":"493px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/eutley2.webp?w=720" alt="" class="wp-image-1277349" style="width:493px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->