D2-Class AA Pre-season Mr. Football Candidates

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking at the terrain within this classification, there looks to be several strong options this year for Mr. Football with nobody standing out above anybody else. This should be an interesting race to follow this season as I could multiple players coming out with the top individual award. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Tier ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1292341"],"_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-6a820009d5acf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moving to new pastures for his senior season, Hobson has a great shot at competing for Mr. Football due to his arm talent as well as the playmakers surrounding him. The Rams senior signal caller is one of the better pure pocket passers we have in the state that could be ready for his best season to date as long as he performs like we think he can and he stays healthy. What will help the cause is having talented skill players around him both in the backfield at running back and out wide at receiver. Hobson should have a solid O-line in front as well. There are a lot of pieces in place for this East Tennessee quarterback to have a banner year that helps his Rams team compete for titles but also puts himself in the mix to contend for the classification's top individual award.</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":["1037302"],"_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-6a8201e929599"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Heffner could be in-store for a monster season with the Lynx, especially with his experience last year at Melrose and the talent surrounding him on offense this Fall. As a sophomore last year, Heffner put up a lot of numbers and with his style of play, I could see Heffner generating another big year that puts him squarely in the mix to compete for D2-Class AA Mr. Football. The Lynx junior is one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the state that could produce a 1,000 plus yard season both through the air and on the ground. If Heffner is able to accomplish that, he won't only be in the mix but could sit at the top as a prime candidate for the state's top individual honor while also placing his Lausanne team in the conversation to compete for a state championship.&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":["1084814"],"_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-6a8201e9295f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Transferring to Knox. Webb in the off-season, Rogers is a guy I see ready for a breakout year that could not only get him on the list for Mr. Football but also boost his college stock in a major way. The Spartans junior ball carrier could be the best prospect at his position within this classification, who could produce a 1,000 plus yard season along with double digit touchdowns, as long as he stays healthy. It will be interesting to see how much the Spartans staff leans on Rogers this year as they have other offensive options but this junior prospect could be the most important towards the team's success. As long as everything goes according to plan, Rogers could become a breakout star that competes for Mr. Football over the next two years.&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":["1556594"],"_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-6a8201e929625"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Possibly the biggest beneficiary for having Heffner under center this year should be Britt, a top ten ranked prospect by Prep Redzone Tennessee that is currently committed to Missouri and one of the better overall playmakers from our TN2027 class. Having a new quarterback under center, a go-to guy needs to emerge and I think Britt will be that guy, who could honestly produce over 1,000 yards receiving and double digit touchdowns. While the Lynx wideout could provide a big season on offense, I expect Britt to be a ball hawk on defense as well. A big factor for Britt and him going after Mr. Football is his ability to perform and produce on both sides of the ball, which I believe he will while also contributing on special teams as the team's top return guy.</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":["1537396"],"_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-6a8201e92965b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming off a freshman season that saw Porter produce 78 receptions for 1,547 yards and 27 touchdowns, it will be hard for the Wildcats wideout to replicate that but he is certainly good enough to do so. It will be different this year with a new quarterback throwing him the ball but Porter is a game changer that most opposing teams won't have answers for nor someone that can slow him down. The Wildcats receiver has the athleticism, size and speed combo that can take over ball games and force teams to double him. I'm fully expecting another big year from this sophomore playmaker and as long as he produces another big year, I foresee him being right there at the top competing for Mr. Football with a great shot at bringing home the trophy.&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='2161201' first='Bo' last='Bryan'] - BGA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When you have two receivers like Porter and Curry on our preseason Mr. Football list, you have to assume that their quarterback should be in consideration too, especially since he will be getting them the ball. Bryan is a first year starter for the Wildcats that has sat and watched the last few years but it's his time now and by all assumptions, he is ready to have a breakout year that could open the doors towards college football. Offseason clips show football smarts and poise from Bryan as well as arm talent that is just scratching the surface. I'm expecting a big year from Bryan and a season that might get BGA back to Chattanooga. Having a talented skill group around him will help a ton this year to not only make him look good but help him grow into one of the better signal callers from the D2-Class AA ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] - GCA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a season ending injury, Thomas is looking to make up for lost time by becoming the Rams top offensive option and as long as he stays healthy and produces, I could definitely see him in the conversation for Mr. Football. I actually considered putting him into the “top tier” list but I want to see how he looks back from his injury before labeling him as a prime contender. I'm actually quite bullish on Thomas and his upside on the next level. He is a versatile performer that could spend most of the season at receiver but I feel his best upside in college is at running back. I believe he will be utilized in a variety of ways this season to showcase his athleticism as well as help his team win a bunch of ball games.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry'] - BGA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A dynamic playmaker that can take the top off or generate big gains off short passes, Curry had a monster sophomore season that put him on the map as a college recruit but how will he perform this Fall with a new quarterback under center? We will find out but as long as Curry is used like he should be, which I believe he will, the Wildcats junior wideout should produce another big year that might get him into the mix for Mr. Football. Having someone like Porter opposite of Curry will force defenses to focus on him and open up targets for this future college slot receiver. Another area where Curry should excel is on special teams where the Cats junior could be one of the most dangerous return men in his classification and the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB/RB) [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] - FRA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Panthers present several options for Mr. Football this season but I think their top candidate is this two-way backer that could lead his team in both rushing yards and tackles. Ranked as a “Top 200” prospect by Prep Redzone Tennessee, Fletcher could be ready for his best high school season yet where he becomes a force that helps get his Panthers team back to Chattanooga, competing for the D2-Class AA state title. Most of his work will be done on defense as a key run stuffer but all indications point towards the staff using Fletcher more at running back this year where his broad shouldered, physical running style could produce a lot of touchdowns. Knowing how much Fletcher will be on the field, I could see him becoming a finalist for Mr. Football as long as he produces and stays healthy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1687302,"width":"185px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6669960474308301","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/43-Kwadir-Fletcher-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687302" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:185px;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>‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1037670' first='Jack' last='Nimitz'] - FRA: </strong>Nimitz gained a lot of game experience last year, leading his team to the D2-Class AA state title game but he's back bigger and stronger, ready for a potential breakout year. His health and performance of others around him will be key but the athletic signal caller has the mental makeup and talent to produce wins and a lot of offense this season. Nimitz may be better than a sleeper for Mr. Football that proves to be the best candidate by the end of the regular season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2132912' first='Jack' last='Ferguson'] - Boyd Buchanan: </strong>This East Tennessee ball carrier is possibly my biggest sleeper Mr. Football candidate for the Fall season. New to Boyd Buchanan this Fall, Ferguson could end up competing for the most rushing yards within this classification and if he does, competing for the top award is very possible. I expect the Bucs to run the ball a ton with Ferguson and allow his shifty running and speed to produce big plays throughout the 2026 season and guide his team towards another region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] - FRA: </strong>Neal is the top lineman candidate for Mr. Football this year due to his high level play on both sides of the ball and the kind of impact he can make on the 2026 season. A multi-year starter for the Panthers, Neal is a load to deal with in the middle that handles snapping the ball on offense while being a pass rushing disruptor on defense. The Panthers senior is a key leader as well that sets the tone the moment he steps on the field, doing so by way of athleticism, physicality and football smarts.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] - Goodpasture: </strong>Currently committed to Tennessee, Leavell is one of the better two-way prospects we have from the TN2027 class that will be a vital piece in the Cougars efforts at making a run in the playoffs this year. Leavell is a big play threat on offense that could produce a lot of touchdowns but he's a ball hawk as well. If this Nashville area prospect goes off for a big year, getting into the Mr. Football race is very real and if the Cougars win, becoming a finalist is possible too.&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='1535798' first='Connor' last='Jenne'] </strong>- Silverdale, ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178597' first='Garrett' last='King'] </strong>- Knox. Webb, (OT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1674006' first='Luke' last='Burger'] </strong>- Silverdale, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1649499' first='Maki' last='Bell'] </strong>- Lakeway Chrst., (LB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] </strong>- FRA&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1969643,"width":"286px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/goodpasture.jpg?w=526" alt="" class="wp-image-1969643" style="width:286px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Goodpasture WR [player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] (#14) with his teammates.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->