Class 5A Preseason Mr. Football Candidates

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who are the prime contenders for Mr. Football this season on the 5A level? Find out below with our preseason look at the top candidates and it's a deep group that has plenty of prospects worthy to win the state's top individual award. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Tier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27</strong> <strong>(QB)</strong>‘ <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] - Sevier Co.: </strong>Newman has to be at the top of the board when it comes to Mr. Football contenders for the 2025 season. The Smoky Bears junior is coming off leading his team to a state title while producing some big numbers and I expect things to remain the same this Fall. Sevier Co. is a top contender to repeat as state champions this year and if they do along with Newman producing big numbers, the Smoky Bears quarterback should be the lead candidate and headed to Nashville.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'] - Kirkwood: </strong>This junior signal caller made his way into Mr. Football consideration last year as a semifinalist and I think this Fall, Reding can work his magic into a possible finalist this time around. It was a tough call between him and his running back teammate for this selection but the offense starts Reding as he will have the ball in his hands most of the time. His savvy game play and dual threat abilities should allow him to put up big numbers this year and find his way to Nashville for Mr. Football ceremonies.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='853128' first='Marvancy' last='Johnson'] - Tullahoma: </strong>The Wildcats are in prime position to not only win their region but also become a top team to go far in the playoffs and if they do, Johnson will be a big catalyst in those efforts. This senior running back has had a productive high school career to this point but I think he might be in-store for his best season yet. Tullahoma might have a balanced offense this year but Johnson should remain the focal point of their offense and main playmaker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson'] - Page: </strong>A two-way talent that is committed to Air Force, Wilson is the best ball hawk in this classification that will be expected to step his game up even further as the team's top playmaker from either side of the ball. The Patriots senior has a great feel for the game with high football intelligence. Wilson knows how to play and do so in prime time moments. Some may think that Wilson isn't a top candidate for Mr. Football but I can see a strong path for him to become a semifinalist.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='402530' first='Camden' last='Goforth'] - McMinn Co.: </strong>Goforth has been dominating defenders for many years now and I expect that to remain the same for the 2025 season. The Cherokees senior may go down as one of the best blocking O-linemen of all-time in this state by the end of his career. He has excellent buzz around his name for how he physically dominates his opponents and I believe Goforth's consistent play up front could certainly put him in the mix this year to become a potential finalist for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1637065,"width":"220px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/cgoforth3.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1637065" style="width:220px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1102989' first='Amari' last='Lethgo'] - Knox. Halls: </strong>Lethgo is the engine that runs the Red Devils team and he's been nothing productive throughout his career. I expect another big year from this Knoxville area quarterback and he pushes his stats higher while leading Knox. Halls to a bunch of wins, Mr. Football will certainly be in the cards. Lethgo competes within a tough region, so producing at a high level won't be easy but I believe he will be able to do so and generate yet another stat stuffing season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='540015' first='Chase' last='Stephens'] - Walker Valley: </strong>Coming off a strong off-season where Stephens developed at a good rate, this East Tennessee quarterback could be a Mr. Football sleeper headed into the football year and a guy that could make it to Nashville with a productive senior campaign. Stephens is a strong armed passer that will have a talented receiving corp to throw to and an O-line that should keep him clean. If the Mustangs senior leads them to a region title and a bunch of victories, becoming a Mr. Football semifinalist is very possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1432194' first='Josiah' last='Claybrooks'] - Kirkwood: </strong>Don't be surprised by the end of the regular season if Claybrooks swaps places with his quarterback and becomes the best candidate from his Cobras team for Mr. Football. This under the radar ball carrier had a strong junior campaign but could be in-store for an even better senior season, especially if he remains healthy and the Kirkwood O-line comes together. I like how this guy runs and how consistent he is, so to me, Claybrooks is a definite contender for 5A Mr. Football this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] - Munford: </strong>Starks shares the backfield with another but he should be the team's main ball carrier and if he produces like he did last year with more offensive production, the Cougars junior could be in contention for Mr. Football. Starks is a physical runner that does well after first contact along with having a nose for the end zone. There will be tough competition on the 5A level this year for the top individual honor but Starks is certainly a guy that can earn it and potentially come away as the winner.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1326260' first='Brody' last='Rogers'] - Knox. Halls: </strong>This Knoxville area two-way prospect is coming off a very productive junior season and if performs the same this year, Rogers may play his way into a Mr. Football semifinalist. Last year was a coming out party for Rogers but this season may prove to be tougher as the opposition may look to double team. If the Red Devils senior can produce enough stat stuffing season, he may be in strong consideration for Mr. Football by season's end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1544241,"width":"267px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/brogers.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1544241" style="width:267px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bottom Tier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] - Page: </strong>New to the Patriots squad, Pierre steps into a shared role in the backfield but should be the lead guy on a team that has their eyes on a Class 5A state title. The Pats senior ball carrier is a physical runner that breaks off tackles well and tends to get stronger as the game goes on. Pierre is a sleeper to contend for Mr. Football, especially if he produces high volume games along with his Patriots team winning ball games.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford'] - Beech: </strong>Swafford is a name in this article that I can easily see becoming a top contender for Mr. Football by season's end but he's placed here as he will share the backfield within a run heavy Buccaneers offense. A powerful, physical runner, Swafford could be ready for his breakout season after enhancing his agility and speed during the off-season. He should be the lead guy in the backfield and if he produces at a high level, finding his way to Nashville as a Mr. Football semifinalist can definitely happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OT) [player_tooltip player_id='944767' first='Kamari' last='Blair'] </strong>- Kirkwood: I can see a scenario where Blair is named as a Mr. Football semifinalist as plenty of eyes will be on him and his Cobras team this Fall due to his commitment to South Carolina and two other prime candidates. His blocking up front will be critical when it comes to keeping Reding clean and opening running lanes for Claybrooks. Blair will also get snaps on defense as well, so he might have some stats to back up his blocking. It might be a longshot for Mr. Football but Blair has a shot with a dominating senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1178947' first='Cohen' last='Grissom'] </strong>- Forrest: This is my darkhorse for Mr. Football on the 5A level this year. Grissom is a talented pass rusher with some of the best closing speed at his position for the #TN2026 class. Moving to Page in the off-season will put him against good competition this Fall and I believe he will produce at a high level. If Grissom can become a dominating difference maker against top level teams, he may prove to be a worthy Mr. Football contender.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Contenders: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284143' first='Bryson' last='Maddox']</strong> - Clinton, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853119' first='Jaedyn' last='Harris']</strong> - Knox. Central, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116801' first='Ayden' last='Kline']</strong> - William Blount, (DL)<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia']</strong> - Powell, (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402538' first='Ethan' last='Hill']</strong> - Powell, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317766' first='Sawyer' last='Phillips']</strong> - Beech, ‘28 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] </strong>- Page</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1810793,"width":"287px","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/chelswafford.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1810793" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->