Class 5A Pre-season Mr. Football Candidates

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">All three finalists from last year return for the 2026 season, including the winner, who sits at the top of the list to run it back this Fall. Competition will be stronger this season with possibly the deepest quarterback group of all classifications and multiple high producing running backs. While I see a few favorites for the 5A top honor, I could honestly see at least ten players being named a semifinalist and potentially coming home with the award.&nbsp;<br></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Tier ……</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142902"],"_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-6a738087386af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Newman is the defending 5A Mr. Football after taking home top honors last year and he has to be at the top of the list to potentially win it again this season. The Smoky Bears senior quarterback had a stellar junior season where he led the 5A ranks in passing while leading his team to the 5A state title game. I think he can basically replicate that this Fall but I don't know if he will have the same numbers with new players stepping into starting roles at receiver. I still believe Newman will produce at a high level and remain in the mix to win his second Mr. Football honor due to the Smoky Bears being one of the best teams on the 5A level this year. I won't predict a winner in this article but I will say that I think Newman will be a semifinalist by the time we reach the end of the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1104268"],"_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-6a7381be15b2b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Bobcats proved to be one of the better teams on the 5A level last year and a lot of that was due to Long and his play under center. I'm expecting nearly the same thing for the 2026 season with Long back to run the show and if he produces another big year, he should be right in the mix to contend for Mr. Football. The Bobcats senior is a dual threat with the ball in his hands that can carve up defenses with his arm and his legs. Long will be one of the top marked men on the 5A level that opposing teams must slow down to defeat the Bobcats. I like what Knox. Central brings to the field this year and as long as they win and Long performs at a high level, I would expect to see this East Tennessee signal caller named a Mr. Football semifinalist with a great shot at taking home the award.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["693877"],"_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-6a7381be15bba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kruse led his Patriots team towards a 5A state title last year and yes he wants to run it back this Fall but getting into the conversation for Mr. Football has to be at the top of his list as well. Committing to play his college ball this off-season to Kansas State, Kruse is a strong armed, dual threat quarterback with the ability to create big plays while providing the type of toughness his teammates can get behind. The Patriots senior signal caller is a tremendous leader with a great feel for the game. I fully expect Page to be right there competing for another state title this year and Kruse will be at the forefront of those efforts. I also expect him to be at the top of the list for Mr. Football as long as Kruse stays healthy and his Patriots wins ball games as they are expected to do.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1094224"],"_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-6a7381be15c35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Memphis area quarterback is someone to track this season as a potential breakout star and someone that could play his way towards the top of the list for 5A Mr. Football. The Warriors junior signal caller is returning this year off a region title campaign last season but Wright is looking for bigger goals, which is competing for Mr. Football while taking his team on a run towards the state championship. He has the roster to make waves this Fall while boosting his stock as a college prospect. Wright is a talented passer with great mechanics and improved arm strength that should be on full display this season. If he performs well while staying healthy and his team wins, I definitely could see Wright become a prime contender for Mr. Football with a great shot at winning.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1585458"],"_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-6a7381be15cad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ever since Starks stepped onto the field with Munford, he has done nothing but produce at a high level and I don't expect anything to change for his upcoming senior year. Last year as a sophomore, Starks broke through with&nbsp; a 1,606 yard season with 19 touchdowns and even though he will share carries this season with another college level prospect, I still foresee the Cougars back having a strong year that gets him back in the mix for Mr. Football. Munford has a team this year that could do some special things and if the Cougars are to compete for championships, they will need another strong year from Starks. As long as this Memphis area back stays healthy, I'd expect Starks to be a highly talked about player this Fall that has a great shot at earning the classifications top honor.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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='1885892' first='Daniel' last='Booker'] - Columbia Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Everything on the Lions football team starts and ends with Booker. He is the main catalyst for the entire team but especially on offense where his dual threat abilities can be game changers. His performance behind will be critical this season as the Lions attempt to win their region and hopefully chase down a 5A state title. It will be a tall task with other powerful teams in front of them but Booker is the key. He is the kind of talent that can take over games and lead his Lions team to victories. If he produces like he did last year while increasing his game play, being named a semifinalist for Mr. Football can very much happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] - Beech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If there is one guy beyond the “top tier” list that could work his way into the Mr. Football conversation, it's this Mid-Tennessee two-way backer that could be ready for his best high school season yet. I fully expect Williams to lead his team in rushing and tackles this season and if he produces big numbers, getting to Nashville as a semifinalist is very possible. I believe Williams will be sharing carries in the backfield this Fall but I still think he will be the lead guy and someone the rest of the team leans on for leadership and production. The competition for Mr. Football will be stiff this year but if Williams has a big season, I can certainly see him on the stage, competing for top honors.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] - Page</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Otey is an interesting case because he definitely has the talent to compete for Mr. Football but the Pats have a balanced offense that will be leaning heavily on Kruse and their quarterback play. If Page decides to use Otey and their running game more this Fall, I could see this junior ball carrier producing over 1,000 yards rushing while generating a lot of scores. His power and size could be a game changer in the red zone. Otey is a bigger back that brings a nice combination of power and speed to the playing that most opposing teams will have a hard time bringing down. If the Pats running back is able to go-off this season, I could see him playing his way into Mr. Football contention.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE/Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman'] - Sevier Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This future Duke Blue Devil had a very productive junior campaign that saw him excel on both sides of the ball and I'm expecting another big year from Newman as the team's top two-way player. The Smoky Bears senior could be considered the team's top offensive target as he is used in a variety of ways. He is also the team's leading returning tackler and I see no reason why he won't lead them yet again. Newman can be a stat stuffer, someone that produces big numbers while his team wins. If that happens again this season, being in the mix for Mr. Football is possible and he could very well end up becoming a finalist for the 5A top award.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2090362,"width":"223px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/pnewman.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2090362" style="width:223px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Candidates ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='932897' first='Ayden' last='Spellings'] - Henry Co.: </strong>A multi-year starter for the Patriots, Spellings could be poised for his best season yet but he will need help from his O-line and skill positions, which are two areas of unknowns headed into the season. A lot may be asked of Spellings this year to not only lead but produce with both his arm and his legs. If his Patriots team wins while receiving helps both sides of the ball, Spellings could play his way into the Mr. Football conversation.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'] - Kirkwood: </strong>The Cobras have their eyes set on regaining the region title and if they do so, Reding will be a major catalyst behind those efforts. A multi-year starter behind center for the Cobras, Reding has produced a ton and steadily gotten better each season. Maybe his senior campaign could be his best and if it is, the Clarksville area quarterback might get into the mix for Mr. Football with an outside shot at becoming a finalist.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1960150' first='Tate' last='Rumney'] - Hendersonville: </strong>Coming off a breakout sophomore season, Rumney is looking to bust out even further with a junior year that might help his Commandos team compete for a region title while getting himself into the Mr. Football conversation. Hendersonville is a run based team that will certainly put the ball into Rumney's hands a lot and if he increases his production, becoming a Mr. Football semifinalist is possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] - Nolensville: </strong>Sentell is the lone defensive player in this article that I could see leading the 5A ranks this year in sacks and if he does, becoming a Mr. Football contender can happen. The Knights senior defensive end is a disruptor on the end of line that plays hard and fast while providing a nice combination of run stuffing and pass rushing. Seeing how Sentell has developed this off-season, we could be looking at a breakout year for this Mid-Tennessee defender that can boost his college stock while getting into the Mr. Football conversation.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Five Others to Track: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904027' first='Jaylon' last='Benjamin'] </strong>- Powell, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2071486' first='Patrick' last='Riddle'] </strong>- Tullahoma, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535793' first='Colton' last='Overbey'] </strong>- Station Camp, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1732910' first='Jaxton' last='Schmitt'] </strong>- Rhea Co., (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith'] </strong>- Munford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2111092,"width":"294px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.5240245537289212","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-22-2026-12-56-04-PM-1-2-crop-699x459-1769108674.jpg?w=698" alt="" class="wp-image-2111092" style="aspect-ratio:1.5240245537289212;width:294px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Nolensville DL/EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'].</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->