TSSAA reduces Mr. Football award winners

MURFREESBORO — How many is too many when it comes to the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award?

That number was cut in half on Monday from the past two seasons. 

The TSSAA announced it is removing the Mr. Football Back and Lineman awards in favor of one Mr. Football winner for each of its nine classes. The association has had a back and lineman award recipient since 1994. The association had just five classes at that time. There are now nine classifications.

It also will continue to have one Kicker of the Year Award.

The TSSAA will announce five semifinalists in each class for Mr. Football as well as the kicker award. Those numbers will be reduced to three finalists in each class, totaling 30 who will be honored at the awards luncheon.

There will be a total of 10 winners given — one in each of the TSSAA's nine classifications and one kicker. Last year, 17 awards were given.

The Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards will be presented on Nov. 27 at Nissan Stadium.

The TSSAA began the Mr. Football award in 1985, starting with a winner in classes A, AA and AAA. 

This marks the 11th year the Tennessee Titans have been the title sponsor.

"As always, we're very thankful to the Tennessee Titans for their continued commitment to high school athletics,” TSSAA executive director Bernard Childress said.

"The changes to the format make being named a winner, finalist or semifinalist truly special. We are very excited and appreciative about being involved with the Titans, as they have helped make the recognition of these student-athletes, their families and schools possible."

Reach Tom Kreager at tkreager@tennessean.com or 615-259-8089 and on Twitter @Kreager.