Mr. Football Semi-Finalists (Biggest Takeaways)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Postseason play is upon us, which means it was time to name our in-state Mr. Football Semi-Finalists. Here at Prep Redzone Tennessee, we took a look at each classification and broke down the nominations, providing our analysis with who might be the leaders to take home top honors. </h2>     Class 1A   - ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'] - McKenzie   - (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] - South Pittsburg   - (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1222053' first='Jaiden' last='Bunch'] - Coalfield   - ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] - South Pittsburg   - (RB) Luke DiPietro - Dresden   - I don't see any issues with the five semifinalists listed for the 1A ranks. All five prospects are worthy of Mr. Football but I don't see a clear cut favorite. If I had to guess who could win this honor, my money would be on [player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown']. The Rebels junior quarterback has put forth a highly productive season while leading his team to a current 9-1 record. Sitting right there with Brown could be [player_tooltip player_id='1222053' first='Jaiden' last='Bunch'] and Luke DiPietro, two senior ball carriers that have produced over 1,500 yards rushing this season. Coalfield and Dresden are prime contenders for the 1A state title and those two teams wouldn't be in the position they are without the play of Bunch and DiPietro. Some could view Buckner as a top candidate to win this honor while Cooper is a big play waiting to happen that might be a year away from taking home this honor. I could see Buckner being named a finalist alongside Brown and one of Bunch or DiPietro.    Biggest Omissions: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1599884' first='Nolan' last='Adams'] - Clay Co., (RB/LB) Zyon Nnaji - Fayetteville   - - - - - - -    Class 2A   - (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] - East Robertson   - (QB) Andrew Johnson - Fairley   - (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] - Milan   - (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray'] - Lewis Co.   - ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] - East Robertson   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/kyoung2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1544224" style="width:243px;height:auto" /></figure>   - Looking through the semi-finalists for the 2A ranks, it's a solid collection of players that I can see each guy having a case to win. Predicting who the winner will be is honestly tough. If I had to go with three leaders in the clubhouse, I would choose Andrew Johnson, [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray']. Those three have consistently produced at a high level this season and have their teams in positions to contend for a 2A state title. Johnson and Young are dual threat signal callers that have been in the Mr. Football conversation before and I think both have a great shot at winning. Ray may be your darkhorse. The Panthers senior has put up strong numbers this Fall from both sides of the ball. So has Groves, who is coming off his best game of the year, earning Defensive Player of the Week by PRZTN. It's a strong class when your defending Mr. Football winner in Peete may be considered fifth among the semi-finalists.    Biggest Omissions: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='819521' first='Eli' last='Garrett'] - Cannon Co., (Edge) Ashton Martin - Marion Co., ‘28 (QB) Kobe Simmons - Memp. Biz. Acad.    - - - - -   Class 3A   - (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1600242' first='Marquis' last='Gardner'] - Chatt. Prep   - ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1037302' first='Thomas' last='Heffner'] - Melrose   - ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] - Gatlinburg-Pittman   - ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] - Forrest   - ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] - Westview   - I see this as a two-man battle for 3A Mr. Football between sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] from Westview and [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] out of Forrest. Both these offensive talents have had strong sophomore campaigns and I wouldn't complain if either won this top honor. Finding that third finalist is tougher but if I had to guess who that may be, I would go with [player_tooltip player_id='1600242' first='Marquis' last='Gardner']. The Sentinels senior ball carrier has put his team on his back on several occasions this year to earn a two seed in the current playoffs while boosting his college stock. Being placed as a semi-finalist for Mr. Football is a big honor for [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] and Thomas Heffer but they may be a year away from being considered a top contender. Both have been important pieces for their respective squads and will be key players in the team's run throughout the playoffs.    Biggest Omissions: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1115203' first='Kolby' last='Jones'] - Unicoi Co., (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1972442' first='Ayden' last='Hood'] - Pigeon Forge    - - - - -   Class 4A   - (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] - Greeneville   - (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1969867' first='Caden' last='Baugh'] - Greeneville   - (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] - Upperman   - ‘28 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] - Springfield   - ‘27 (QB) Thomas Manu - Alcoa   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/bchaffin4.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2035726" style="width:230px;height:auto" /></figure>   - I think they got it right with the 4A semi-finalists but who is considered the guy to beat? Now that's a tough call but I do feel it will come down to [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1969867' first='Caden' last='Baugh'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson']. I could certainly be wrong on who the finalists will be but I just feel Chaffin, Baugh and Anderson have put together strong senior campaigns that warrant an opportunity to win Mr. Football. Chaffin and Baugh in particular are dual threat guys that have produced big numbers both through the air and on the ground, which I think puts them in the driver's seat. Anderson has been unstoppable out wide this Fall and the best playmaker from the 4A level. Manu may be the name to watch for as a potential finalist. He has been rock solid all year with his Tornadoes team in-line to win another state championship. Cobbins has been a one-man show for his Yellow Jackets team this year from both sides of the ball. Overall, this is a good crop of semi-finalists that appear worthy of the state's top individual award.    Biggest Omissions: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='491549' first='Noah' last='Potter'] - Stone Memorial, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] - Anderson Co., ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods'] - Crockett Co.   - - - - -   Class 5A   - (OT/DL) [player_tooltip player_id='944767' first='Kamari' last='Blair'] - Kirkwood   - (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1432197' first='Jaden' last='Haywood'] - East Hamilton   - ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] - Knox. Central   - ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] - Sevier Co.   - ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] - Munford   - The Class 5A level has been fun to watch this year as the top teams have performed well while we have received surprising seasons from others, like East Hamilton and Knox. Central who would not have the success they have had without the performances of [player_tooltip player_id='1432197' first='Jaden' last='Haywood'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long']. I think those two along with [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] are your top three candidates to win Mr. Football this year with Blair and Starks coming in right behind them. I could see a case where Blair is among the finalists but it's hard to not have Haywood, Long and Newman as your top three guys. There is a scenario where you see Long and Newman fight as the top candidates for Mr. Football next year as well. This will be a tough call in the end as several guys are worthy of achieving this honor but I do like the three East Tennessee prospects best to take home the award.    Biggest Omissions: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='540015' first='Chase' last='Stephens'] - Walker Valley, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'] - Kirkwood, (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] - Powell   - - - - -   Class 6A   - ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'] - Antioch   - ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] - Maryville   - (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] - Southwind   - (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] - Oakland   - (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1281472' first='Joel' last='Wyatt'] - Oakland   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/wjones.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1841387" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure>   - I see the 6A Mr. Football playing out among three guys. [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'], [player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins']. All three quarterbacks have been stellar for their respective teams this year and all have a strong case to be named Mr. Football for the 2025 season. If there is one guy who may be in the driver seat, it's Adams. He has produced at a high level with both his arm and his legs but Adams has been vital in his team's success this year and may be the most important player to their team in the state. Jones and Perkins aren't too far behind Adams and I wouldn't be upset to see either achieve this honor. If Perkins won, it would be his second Mr. Football throughout his high school career. Oakland teammates [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1281472' first='Joel' last='Wyatt'] have been key players where they have positioned their Patriots team to win a state title this Fall but I don't know if either have done enough individually to earn Mr. Football.    Biggest Omissions: ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] - Riverdale, (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='966033' first='Brandon' last='Goliday'] - Antioch, (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1661898' first='Traivon' last='Jackson'] - Oakland   - - - - -   D2-Class A   - (Ath) Sean Birkofer - Providence Christian   - (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'] - Nash. Christian   - (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1600227' first='Nix' last='Fullen'] - Tipton-Rosemark   - (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1126012' first='Jackson' last='Pugh'] - USJ   - (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1238919' first='T.J.' last='Ward'] - Nash. Christian   - Going through the D2-Class A Mr. Football semi-finalists, I see a three man race between [player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1600227' first='Nix' last='Fullen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1126012' first='Jackson' last='Pugh'] with Curtis possibly holding the lead. Many will already pencil in Curtis as the winner and he is justified but I don't think it's clear cut he will win. Both Fullen and Pugh put up a strong case to become finalists and contend for top honors. These West Tennessee running backs nearly ran for 2,000 yards this season while being the focal points of their offenses. It's hard to pinpoint who will win this award but I do feel comfortable in saying Curtis, Fullen and Pugh should be the finalists. Birkofer and Ward are your other semi-finalists, who both have hard good seasons but I think it's good enough to advance. Now I could be totally wrong but I feel the three mentioned above are your best choices to be finalists and contend for D2-Class A Mr. Football.    Biggest Omissions: ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='446208' first='Cayden' last='Creech'] - USJ, (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1103503' first='Gabriel' last='Lee'] - TCA, ‘28 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1895564' first='Ford' last='Bowman'] - Providence Acad.    - - - - -   D2-Class AA   - (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1908180' first='Jace' last='Ballard'] - GCA   - (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='402534' first='David' last='Green'] - Boyd Buchanan   - (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1562192' first='T.J.' last='Jenkins'] - Lausanne   - (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] - BGA   - (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='402563' first='Shavar' last='Young, Jr'] - Knox. Webb   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/dgreen.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1614442" style="width:248px;height:auto" /></figure>   - It's tough to say this to the other contenders for Mr. Football within the D2-Class AA ranks but I think [player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] is the clear cut favorite to win top honors. The Wildcats quarterback has produced staggering offensive numbers this year. Through ten games, Marable has generated 55 touchdowns while producing over 3,000 yards of total offense himself. He has also led his Wildcats team to a 9-1 record and a #1 seed in the current playoffs. I think it's an uphill battle for the rest of the candidates to knock off Marable but cases could be made. I foresee [player_tooltip player_id='402534' first='David' last='Green'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1562192' first='T.J.' last='Jenkins'] joining Marable in Nashville as a finalist but I could see [player_tooltip player_id='1908180' first='Jace' last='Ballard'] being added as well. I will be interested to see how this group plays out but in the end, I still think Marable will be too tough to beat out.    Biggest Omissions: ‘29 (RB) J.V. Stinson - GCA, ‘29 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter'] - BGA, ‘27 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] - FRA   - - - - -    D2-Class AAA   - ‘27 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] - Brentwood Acad.   - (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry'] - Baylor   - ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges'] - Baylor   - (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='284149' first='Tyreek' last='King'] - Knox. Catholic   - (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker'] - Briarcrest Christian   - It's tough to pinpoint who the finalists will be for this award but I do see a favorite to win it in Baylor quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry']. When you look at the numbers and stack alongside the other semi-finalists, I think it's clear that Cherry is your top contender and the guy to beat out for Mr. Football. Now who will join him in Nashville as finalists is up in the air. If I had to choose two others to stand with Cherry, I would go with [player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges'] and [player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker']. Those two have been highly impactful players this year for their respective teams and taken their stocks to new levels. Possibly the biggest takeaway from this classification is those that are missing. There are at least three guys left off that I would have added into the conversation, which would have made choosing the winner much more difficult. In the end, I like Cherry to take home Mr. Football and cap off his Baylor career as one of the best to dawn the red and silver.    Biggest Omissions: ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] - Ensworth, ‘27 (RB) Larry Sanders - Brentwood Acad., (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Tabuteau'] - McCallie   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Htuck-crop-1639x1076-1762231385.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2004557" style="width:303px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Briarcrest Christian senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker']</figcaption></figure>