#PRZTN Mr. Football Candidates: Class 2A

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which players do you need to key on this year as potential Mr. Football award winners? Well we got that covered for you below w/ our top candidates for the coming '24 season. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='497421' first='Isaiah' last='Groves'] - East Robertson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The reigning Mr. Football winner for the 2A ranks returns for his senior year with the idea of repeating while also taking his Indians team back to the class championship. This future Georgia Tech running back is elite with the ball in his hands. His initial burst and speed into the open field is dangerous to deal with. Groves ran for over 2,000 yards last year and I wouldn't be surprised to see him do it again this Fall and maybe add more. Even though Groves comes from the 2A level, he is still one of the best offensive prospects in this state, who has to be the clear cut favorite for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='390722' first='Sam' last='Pickett III'] - Marion Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's been an active but successful 2024 year for Pickett so far and I think it could get even better as he is a definite candidate for Mr. Football but his team is also in contention for a 2A title as well. If the Warriors are able to make it to Chattanooga, Pickett will be a big reason why. This is a natural athlete that might take snaps at several positions this year with his most explosive play coming at receiver. Pickett has the speed to turn a small gain into a big play anytime the ball touches his hands. If he is able to produce at a high level like I think he can, Pickett will for sure be in the mix for Mr. Football by the time we reach December.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1298949,"width":"338px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/80-Sam-Pickett-III.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1298949" style="width:338px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='222306' first='Gray' last='Eubanks'] - Huntingdon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the top dual threat quarterbacks in the #TN2025 class, Eubanks is a problem to deal with for opposing defenses due to his speed and vision from the backfield. His ability to run and take over a game puts him in contention for Mr. Football and someone that has a great shot at winning. For multiple season's now, Eubanks has done nothing but run the ball and produce at a high level. He won't throw the ball too much but he is efficient when he does. His Mustangs team is a run based team, so expect another big year out of this West TN quarterback, which in turn could definitely put him in the mix for the top classification honor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='611895' first='Jakyri' last='McClure'] - Mt. Pleasant</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a season where McClure ran for a little over 1,000 yards, this Mid-TN ball carrier is looking to double up that production and place himself in the conversation by season's end for Mr. Football. His Tigers team is considered a potential title contender this year but if that's to happen, McClure must perform at a high level. I think he will with a big year and a season that should boost his college stock. This is a powerful running back with deceptive speed but it's his vision and ability to fall forward that I like the most. The Tigers should lean on McClure this year as their top offensive threat and if he plays like he will, don't be surprised to see this #TN2025 ball carrier among the finalists for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='362006' first='Brycen' last='McDonald'] - Lewis Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If you ask McDonald himself, his junior year wasn't his best and his Panthers team was knocked out early in the playoffs, so there is a lot of motivation for him headed into the 2024 season to right some wrongs. If he is able to do that and perform like he and I think he can, Mr. Football is certainly not out of the question. The Panthers should be in the mix as a top 2A contender this year. McDonald will be the leader in those efforts along with a nice cast of skill players around him. This 6 '4 gunslinger has the arm talent and experience to string together a stellar senior year, which could certainly put him in Nashville for the top individual award.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1286585,"width":"283px","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/bmcdonald.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1286585" style="width:283px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='258659' first='Sam' last='Willoughby'] - Fayetteville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Some of the best raw talent in the 2A ranks resides right here with Willoughby but he has yet to put together a Mr. Football type of year. Maybe this Fall football season will be his time because this Tigers signal caller is an ultimate athlete that can be a game changer. What helps Willoughby stand out is his size (6'6) as well as his running abilities. This dude is fast and once he gets going, it's hard to slow him down. He could be the fastest quarterback in the state, which speed is something that is very appealing to college coaches. I do expect Willoughby to run the ball plenty but if he can show increased passing while putting up good numbers, being considered for Mr. Football can happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1293394' first='Kenderrius' last='Robertson'] - Mitchell&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Robertson returns for his senior season as the state's top sack artist after producing 22 of them last year but can this Memphis area defender produce at a high level yet again? I think it's possible as Robertson shows an active motor with a nose for the ball and with him sitting in college limbo at the moment, I'm sure this pass rusher is quite motivated. Where Robertson can take his game to another is by increasing his speed and showing more versatility with his pass rush moves. Not many O-linemen on the 2A level will be able to deal with this guy and if Robertson takes his game to another level, competing for Mr. Football is definitely within reach.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='480800' first='Isaac' last='Moore'] - Camden Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Lions could be in-store for the best season in some time and a big reason for that will be the play of Moore. This 6 '2 senior two-way talent is one of the better overall athletes coming out of the 2A ranks that has a shot at reaching the college stage. He can get there with a big senior year and if he produces at a high level, contending for Mr. Football is not out of the question. Moore will be given every opportunity to shine this year as he will be the team's top receiver while also taking the role as the top ball hawk in the secondary. His speed can be a game changer for a Lions team that has eyes on a region title. His success could lead to team success, so Mr. Football has to be in consideration if this West TN product shows out this Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1124542' first='Landon' last='Quinney'] - Wartburg Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Last year as a junior, Quinney led the 2A ranks in receiving while establishing himself as a top prospect at his position in this classification but can this East TN wideout put up another big year that puts him in the mix for Mr. Football? It is possible but only if Quinney produces at a high level again while his Bulldogs team wins ball games. What gives Quinney a shot is his ability to get behind the defense using his crafty play and speed. He is a little light in the britches but Quinney does have a frame to pack on more weight. If he can work through more physicality this year due to the opposition keying on him, this Bulldogs pass catcher could continue surprising people and find his way on the list of finalists for 2A Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘26 (RB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='244591' first='Eli' last='Bell'] - Forrest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Our sleeper pick for 2A Mr. Football this year is this Mid-Tennessee offensive weapon, who could be in-store for a breakout junior season. Bell is a natural athlete that moves very well and with his agile lower base and speed, this Rockets junior could be used in a variety of ways on offense. His upside looks to fit best at running back in college but Bell is a good pass catcher that can be used in the slot as well. The&nbsp; Rockets could be a sneaky good team in the region and the 2A ranks this year as their roster may be better than some think. Bell is at the top however as the potential best overall player that could play his way in contention for the best personal honor in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;<br>Others to Watch: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815325' first='Gage' last='Lee'] - Camden Cent., Nathan Clemmer - Eagleton Acad., [player_tooltip player_id='390619' first='Zae' last='Odom'] - Cannon Co., </strong>‘26 <strong>Nash Rader - South Greene</strong>, ‘26 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays'] </strong>- Marion Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1397820,"width":"329px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/ebell.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1397820" style="width:329px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->