Class 4A Preseason Mr. Football Candidates

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Taking home the top individual honor for the 4A ranks is gonna be tough this season as I see plenty of good options that could walk away with Mr. Football. One guy in the lead headed into the season is [player_tooltip player_id='1422897' first='Tyler' last='Thompson'], who is your defending 4A winner. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Tier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1422897' first='Tyler' last='Thompson'] </strong>- Marshall Co.: The reigning and defending Mr. Football winner on the 4A level has to be at the top of the board for the 2025 season and a top favorite to repeat. Thompson had a stellar junior season and by all accounts from his off-season work, the Tigers signal caller looks better with more arm power and football knowledge. I expect Thompson to put up big numbers again while leading his Tigers team to a region title, so I definitely think he will be in the mix for Mr. Football yet again.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1598733,"width":"217px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/67-Tyler-Thompson-rotated-e1736532770582.jpg?w=833" alt="" class="wp-image-1598733" style="width:217px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] </strong>- Upperman: The Bees are expected to have a magical season that ends in Chattanooga and a big reason why would be the play of this 6 '4 dual threat quarterback. Chaffin is dripping with potential and he has yet to have his best season on the high school ranks. I think that comes this Fall where this future Georgia St. quarterback should put up big numbers through the air and on the ground to place himself in prime consideration for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) Caden Baugh </strong>- Greeneville: Baugh fits the style of quarterback the Green Devils likes to have behind center and with a good bit of skill surrounding him this Fall, I expect this dual threat signal caller to have a productive year and contend for Mr. Football. The Green Devils senior should be adequate in the passing game but a lot of his damage will be done on the ground. His work will also be important towards his team's chances at competing for a 4A title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] </strong>- Anderson Co.: Moving over to Anderson Co. may prove to be a smart move for Thompson as he should be used as a workhorse back that puts himself in contention for Mr. Football while helping his Mavs team contend for titles. A strong, compact young man that can run around or through his opponent, Thompson has a chance at a big year as the Mavericks should be balanced on offense along with a strong front five in the trenches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103009' first='Javonte' last='Smith'] </strong>- Jackson North-Side: The Indians may have their best team for the 2025 season in some time with Smith being a major part. This future Tennessee Volunteer is ultra athletic with game changing abilities that will be utilized on both sides of the ball. His speed on offense can be a problem for the opposition and I think the Jackson North-Side coaching staff will put Smith in position to excel and if he performs at a high level, contending for Mr. Football is possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 <strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1588080' first='Kason' last='Woodson']</strong> - Springfield: Keep ears out for this Mid-Tennessee quarterback this season as not only a breakout star but potentially a Mr. Football contender as well. Woodson is a talented young man that provides a dual threat skill set along with excellent leadership qualities. The Yellow Jackets junior has a shot at the college game with continued development as I see a ton of upside with him. If he helps produce more than seven wins while competing for a region title, Woodson could certainly be in the mix for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst'] </strong>- Springfield: Joining Woodson in the backfield is this multi-year starting running back that produced over a 1,000 yards rushing last year and could be poised to run for more this Fall. An athletic runner with a strong lower body, Hurst has a chance to contend for Mr. Football this season with a highly productive year and his Yellow Jackets team competing for a region title. Springfield likes to run the ball, so I expect the ball to be in this guy's hands a lot this season as well as being a threat catching balls out of the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1759240,"width":"269px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/jhurst.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1759240" style="width:269px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn: The Firebirds should have a well balanced offense this year with Starnes being the featured back that has a chance to be in consideration for Mr. Football with a big senior year. Over the past few years, Starnes has had to share carries with others but this season, he is the guy and a key piece within the Firebirds offense. If he can remain healthy, I expect Starnes to produce a lot of rushing yards this year and be a main catalyst in the Firebirds run after championships.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris']</strong> - Haywood: Depending on the quarterback position, Harris could produce a strong senior season on offense as I expect his defensive work to be on point. Haywood should be one of the top teams on the 4A level, so Harris will be in the conversation for Mr. Football but only if he highly produces on both sides of the ball. I think it's possible as the Tomcats will be leaning a ton on Harris this Fall to provide big play abilities on offense and lockdown coverage on defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bottom Tier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 <strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk']</strong> - Pearl Cohn: I was very close to adding Funk into the middle tier but I kept him here due to his receiving corps being young this Fall and me needing to see how the passing game evolves into the season. I think all will be fine with the Pearl Cohn passing attack because Funk is that good! This 6'2 junior has a cannon right arm with zip, showing the ability to put the ball wherever he wants to. I expect a big year from the Firebirds quarterback and a season that boosts his stock significantly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 <strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] </strong>- Red Bank: Transferring into Red Bank this off-season, Jones immediately makes the Lions better due to his playmaking abilities at the quarterback position. His ability to push the ball down field in the pass game while being able to run it as well could have him in the conversation for Mr. Football by season's end. Jones is a dynamic player that presents a lot of problems for opposing defenses. If his line can hold up and the surrounding cast does their jobs, Jones is a sleeper to contend for 4A top honors.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) Jaydon Reed</strong> - South Gibson: If the Hornets are to contend for a region title this year, Reed will be a major catalyst in those efforts. This senior two-way talent is coming off a 1,000 yard season that saw him emerge as a top talent on this team and he will be expected to produce even more this Fall. Reed is an athletic guy that should have another level to his game and if he taps into it, Mr. Football is a definite possibility.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson']</strong> - Greeneville: Anderson has been a playmaker the moment he stepped onto the field at Greeneville and I expect things to be no different for his upcoming senior year. The Green Devils senior will be showcased on both sides of the ball where his athleticism and speed can produce big plays. He is also a threat in the return game. Anderson should have the ball in his hands or be around on a consistent basis, so competing for Mr. Football is not out of the question.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow']</strong> - Alcoa: We usually have a few linemen that receive nominations for Mr. Football and I can see Crow being one of those guys. This 6 '7 big man has the athletic skill set and size at tackle to dominate opponents as he keeps his quarterback clean and opens holes in the run game. Crow is committed to Texas Tech but could receive more P4 interest with a strong senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Contenders: </strong>(QB) <strong>Thomas Manu </strong>- Alcoa, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491549' first='Noah' last='Potter'] </strong>- Stone Memorial, (RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'] </strong>- Upperman, (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'] </strong>- South Gibson, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods'] </strong>- Crockett Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1653820,"width":"272px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/jcrow2.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1653820" style="width:272px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->