#PRZTN Mr. Football Candidates: D2-Class AAA

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Winning Mr. Football this year may be harder than taking home the state title in the D2-Class AAA ranks. The competition is extremely tough with multiple guys considered strong contenders and several others to follow as well. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre'] - Brentwood Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If we banked everything off rankings, MacIntyre would be the clear cut favorite to win Mr. Football but that's not how we do it. There will be some tough competition this season for the top individual honor but MacIntyre will be one of the top contenders to walk away with the award. Committed to Tennessee for his college ball, the Eagles senior passer has elite talent that can put his BA team on a deep playoff run this year and if he performs well, MacIntyre should be a finalist come December. I'm sure he would love to leave his HS career as Mr. Football but I bet MacIntyre would like it even more if the Eagles won a region title and contended for the D2-Class AAA state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1058887' first='Shekai' last='Mills-Knight'] - Baylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- All signs are pointing towards Mills-Knight having a big year for the Red Raiders as the team's go-to playmaker on offense. This senior ball carrier is one of the top prospects from our #TN2025 class, on possibly the best team in the state, so he has to be in the mix for Mr. Football. His power, size and speed combo is something scary for opposing defenses to deal with week in and week out. Mills-Knights could also boost his stock for Mr. Football with continued work in the passing game, showing himself as a good receiver out of the backfield. Help will be around Mills-Knight but he should still be the lead offensive threat for a state title contending team that will give this talented back plenty of carries.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='139272' first='Jayden' last='Neal'] - Knox. Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Neal returns for his senior season as the leading passer from the D2-Class AAA ranks and if he puts up the same kind of numbers or even more, this Fighting Irish signal could be in Nashville as a finalist for Mr. Football by season's end. A technique sound, smooth passer that has the arm strength to make all the throws, Neal is a poised competitor that does not back down. Many other teams and players will be talked about more but Neal is a baller that loves the game. If he is fully healthy, which it looks he is, Neal is a prime candidate to contend for Mr. Football this year and possibly take his Fighting Irish team on a deep playoff run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1190098,"width":"343px","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/jayneal.jpg?w=500" alt="" class="wp-image-1190098" style="width:343px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='219433' first='Brady' last='Hughes'] - MUS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A top five ranked quarterback by Prep Redzone Tennessee, Hughes looks poised for a big senior year where he could lead this classification in passing and play his way in Mr. Football contention. The Owls signal caller has some of the best passing skills in this state along with a great demeanor behind center that can push MUS to a hopeful region title. His competition will be tough for both this top honor but also for his team as the D2-Class AAA ranks presents some of the best talent in the state but I think Hughes is up for the challenge and someone you can sleep on for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘26 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='688833' first='Hugh' last='Price'] - MBA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sporting tremendous size with a powerful right arm, Price brings all the tools to the playing field to contend for all sorts of postseason honors, including D2-Class AAA Mr. Football. Price and his Big Red team learned on the job last year, taking some “L's” but that experience should bode well this Fall where I think this 6'6 gunslinger can throw his team deep into the playoffs. He will receive help from a solid running game and a defense that plays well under Coach Euverard, so Price has a great shot at contending for Mr. Football but also building back the Big Red name and pushing his team to a possible berth in Chattanooga.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='258658' first='Brooklen' last='Davis'] - MBA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Speaking of that Big Red running game, Davis is the bell cow in the backfield that could see an increase in carries this year as well as the opportunity to boost his recruiting stock. Currently committed to Austin Peay, Davis is a powerful back with deceptive burst and speed that can have a monster senior year that puts him in the mix for Mr. Football. His play in the backfield will be critical towards his team's success this year. If Davis and his quarterback can bring balance game in and game out, this Mid-Tennessee ball carrier should be in the mix by season's end for the classification's top individual honor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":781519,"width":"320px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/brdavis.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-781519" style="width:320px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OG) [player_tooltip player_id='219412' first='Chauncey' last='Gooden'] - Lipscomb Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Not too many linemen earn a place on the list for Mr. Football, so you have to be damn good to be nominated. I think Gooden is that kind of guy that can dominate his position on a consistent basis and play his way onto the stage for state's top individual honor. The Mustangs senior O-lineman is a brute mauler up front that has every tool in the bag to become an All-Conference college player one day. I don't know of too many D-linemen that will gain an edge on Gooden this year because he is just that good. It would not be surprising at all to see this future Colorado Buffalo on the finalist stage for Mr. Football and maybe even come away as the winner.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘26 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Schneider'] - McCallie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- An explosive playmaker with position versatility, Schneider is listed and recruited at wideout but his natural athletic skills allow the Blue Tornado coaching staff to utilize his abilities in multiple ways. That skill set could definitely put Schneider in the mix for Mr. Football by season's end as I expect this junior dynamo to have the ball in his hands as much as possible. At times throughout the Fall season, you could see Schneider catch passes in the slot, take carries from the backfield or return kicks on special teams. He has the chance to put up some silly numbers this season and if he does, Mr. Football will certainly be in the cards for this Canadian native.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill'] - Brentwood Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Much like the guy above, Hill himself is a versatile offensive weapon that will mainly take snaps at running back but will occasionally do some damage, catching passes from the slot. Ranked as a Top 40 prospect by #PRZTN, the Eagles dynamic offensive talent has game breaking abilities that can find the end zone on the drop of a dime. Hill has a knack for making big plays and a nose for the end zone. Those traits bode well for someone competing for Mr. Football. Having a top tier QB like MacIntyre, this ball carrier will need to take advantage of every carry he gets and if he does, Hill might have a monster senior season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1169221,"width":"284px","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/tamhill.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1169221" style="width:284px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='301396' first='Andrew' last='Patterson, Jr'] - Lipscomb Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Powerful and strong with a good initial burst, Patterson, Jr had a solid junior campaign but he will be asked to carry a bigger load this Fall and that could lead him to a possible selection for Mr. Football. The Mustangs senior ball carrier will share carries with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841287' first='Micah' last='Burton'] </strong>but Patterson, Jr should be the lead back and that's due to his power running style and ability to consistently pick up first downs. Where a lot of stats could come for Patterson, Jr is in the red zone where his strength will be called upon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Possible Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘26 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker']</strong> - Briarcrest Chrst., (DB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219407' first='Kolbe' last='Harmon'] </strong>- Brentwood Acad., (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219425' first='Tav' last='Shaffer'] </strong>- Lipscomb Acad., ‘26 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry'] </strong>- Baylor, (RB) <strong>Ashton Duckett </strong>- Chrst. Brothers, ‘26 (RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1132842' first='Blake' last='Surratt'] </strong>- Ensworth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1292706,"width":"298px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/tshaffer2.jpg?w=500" alt="" class="wp-image-1292706" style="width:298px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->