#PRZTN Class 4A POTY (Positional Awards)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing our player of the year and positional award winners was tough for the 4A ranks as this level provided a lot of strong options from the 2024 season. We got the job done though, so find out below who all earned top honors! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prep Redzone 4A Player of the Year</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1422897"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4e7ccedf8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Tigers junior quarterback had a breakthrough campaign last Fall that earned him a lot of praise and accolades, including 4A Mr. Football and Prep Redzone Tennessee player of the year. Thompson was clean and efficient throughout the entire 2024 season, providing a great presence behind center and a quarterback that showed consistency in making the right plays. His junior year consisted of Thompson throwing for 2,824 yards along with 45 touchdowns while only throwing 7 interceptions. The Tigers signal caller also had a 68 percent completion percentage. It was the kind of year that helped put Thompson on the recruiting map and a prime contender to repeat his player of the year honors again next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive MVP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["783331"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4e7ccee024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Mavs had one of the more potent offensive units from the 4A ranks this past season with LaRue at the forefront of those efforts. This senior ball carrier put forth a breakout season that saw LaRue rush for 2,052 yards and 29 rushing scores while also producing 300 yards receiving and four touchdowns. His presence in the backfield was a key catalyst towards a big season for the Mavericks that saw them fall one game away from a state title appearance. LaRue is also a hidden gem that still sits available on the open market and could be a guy that is just coming into his own as a potential college prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive MVP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617369"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4e7ccee092"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We had a few strong options for our defensive player of the year but in the end, I felt Brooks was the top choice after a highly productive, breakout junior season. The Tomcats linebacker was a consistent force from beginning to end, where he led his team in tackles at 102 overall while making 22.5 of them for loss and 12 sacks on the season. His performance last Fall helped the Tomcats put one of the better defensive units on the field last Fall while also showing his potential as an eventual college guy. Sporting good height with length and a nice frame for added weight, Brooks is a definite prospect to follow over these off-season months and into his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman MVP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["841187"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a4e7ccee0f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Green Devils had one of the top rushing attacks from the 4A level last Fall with Iezzi up front moving the opposition with consistency throughout the season. This interior O-lineman was nearly dominant as defensive linemen had a hard time pushing Iezzi back or gaining any ground against his blocking. His work in the run game was exceptional while also providing the occasional pass protection. Iezzi also did some good work on defense at tackle where he did a solid job at stopping the run. If this East Tennessee big man was two or three inches taller, Iezzi would be a D1 guy but it looks like he will start his college life on the NAIA level with a chance at playing early and possibly transferring up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kyle Shoulders - Macon Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- What a story it was for the Tigers in the 2024 season as they ended the year as Class 4A state champions with Coach Shoulders and his staff doing an excellent job of keeping their team together and beating quality opponents on their way to earning the “Gold Ball”. Nobody saw Macon Co. coming out as state champs, especially after finishing third in their region but they found magic in the playoffs and rode it all the way to Chattanooga, where the Tigers defeated Melrose to earn their first ever football state championship. It was an outstanding coaching job by Coach Shoulders and his staff to find the right formula this team needed to win it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1618803,"width":"205px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/kshoulders.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1618803" style="width:205px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Positional MVP's (Class 4A)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='650014' first='Landen' last='Hensley'] - Anderson Co.: </strong>The addition of Hensley to the Mavs offense proved to be a difference maker last Fall where he led the team to another region title and a semifinal finish in the playoffs. He also put up some good numbers while providing consistent play and outstanding leadership.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RB MVP: Carson Quillen - Greeneville: </strong>Quillen has been nothing but consistent since he stepped on the field with the Green Devils with his senior season being possibly his best yet. This East TN ball carrier had a banner senior year where he rushed for 1,775 yards and 33 touchdowns along with producing over 2,000 offensive all-purpose yards.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WR MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='390641' first='Aja' last='Jones'] - Marshall Co.: </strong>Our #PRZTN 4A player of the year had this dynamic pass catcher to lean on this year and Jones handled business by producing at a high level. For his senior season, the Tigers receiver hauled in 52 receptions for 967 yards and a high number of 18 touchdowns.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OL MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1128441' first='Ethan' last='West'] - Macon Co.: </strong>Sporting one of the better rushing attacks on the 4A level, West was a major piece up front in those efforts as the team's top lineman performer for the 2024 season. He consistently opened holes for his backs while establishing excellent physicality that kept strong from beginning to end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL MVP: ‘26 [player_tooltip player_id='820869' first='Jake' last='Coffey'] - Carter: </strong>Leading all defensive linemen in sacks for the 2024 season with 11.5, Coffey was a constant force within the Hornets front seven that did great work at rushing the passer. His interior presence was tough for opposing O-linemen to handle. Coffey finished the season with 78 total tackles and 22.5 for loss along with those eleven plus sacks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1560804' first='Brandon' last='Gates'] - Fayette-Ware: </strong>Even though his team didn't see a lot of success, Gates had a highly productive senior year, where he produced 65 tackles, 21 of them for loss as well as 18 sacks. The Wildcats edge linebacker was tough to block last Fall due to his speed off the edge and his pursuit towards the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB MVP: ‘26 [player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'] - Upperman: </strong>Phillips was a key piece on both sides of the ball for his Bees team but really made his mark on the back end of their secondary, where he produced 45 tackles, two for loss, one forced fumble, four passes defended and six interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1371633,"width":"417px","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/cquillen.jpg?w=1000" alt="" class="wp-image-1371633" style="width:417px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->