Top Athletes in 1A Football

[WARRIORPRIDE54]

The best lineman in 1a is # 57 Michael Blount of CAK. He plays offensive guard and defensive tackle and is dominate on both sides of the ball. His defensive stats may not show his real talent, but his job is almost strictly to take up gaps by making piles. His real talent comes on offense, when he run blocks anyone he touches is on the ground, when he pass blocks there is no way anyone is coming through his gap. He gives the running back as big of a hole as they need and gives Cunningham as much time as he needs to throw the ball. He is truly 1a's best lineman. He is a dominant force to be reckoned with.

[ATY]

I fully agree, this kid is a beast. he gives his all on both sides of the ball. he was injured against cloudland early in the second half. and continued to play and dominate even though he was struggling for air. he is as good of a linemen as i've seen in highschool football. and he looks like a pimp too. and no this isn't big # 57.

[TitansFan1234]

As an unbiased parent whose child is only in elementary school and not on any team, and after watching different high school football teams and games this year in classifications 1-5 and one game with D2 schools, I can honestly say I believe Chris Wooden of DCA is the most competitve athelete I have seen this year. For those who are in East or West Tennessee and have never had a chance to actually see him and only base their opinions about Wooden on what they hear from this message board or other people, you may not understand what all the fuss is about. This young man is one of the most impressive running backs I have ever seen at the high school level and trust me, I've seen many runningbacks, I'm old. Plus he has class, which I appreciate as a parent. There's no "Look at me." with Wooden. It's only about the team. Also, Byrd of Cloudland is very impressive as I've heard he is being scouted by Carson-Newman and considered for Mr. Football. Congrats to both of these athletes on their accomplishments this year.

[unbiasedspectator]

I personally think he should at least be nominated even if they do want to give it to a senior.

[sunsetblvd]

Collin Bodiford of Fayette Academy is the best player I have seen in Class A this year. Unbelievable athletic skills. One of his strongest qualities is that he is a leader! One of the best pure athletes I have seen in 17 years of watching football. I hear he is going to get drafted in the upcoming major league baseball draft. I wish him luck the rest of the year!

[sunsetblvd]

Also Joseph Ruddle from Wayne Co. is very impressive. He had over 1500 yds. rushing and a 1000 yds. passing. He is also a great baseball player! Ran the split back veer to perfection this year. Was very impressive against Ezell Harding! Joseph will be one of the top returning players in the state next year. Good luck!

[krichunaka]

Taking pennyplay6254's angle - that "athlete" doesn't necessarily translate to "throwing, " though it certainly doesn't hurt; and considering I haven't seen Wooden yet, hope to in a couple weeks:

 

That being said, Mark Byrd is simply the best all around high school athlete I've seen... in decades. And unlike a lot of the doubters who think Byrd's too short (5' 9"-5' 10") I think he can play Division One.

 

Would compare him favorably to # 12 at the University of Kentucky (I think the name is Derrick Abney), the all-american receiver/return specialist.

 

Like some that many of you have mentioned in this, and other threads... I can't wait to see Byrd (and the others) if and when they settle into playing one sport in college.

 

And again, I'm sure Wooden, Bodiford, etc., are special.

[ie3]

krich,

I have said before that I think Byrd is the best athlete I have seen at this level. Watching Abney, I think Byrd is faster, roughly the same size, and of the same talent level. If Wooden is better, and I have to take others word for that, he is truely something special.

 

But, wait guys, everytime the threads get started on top athletes, the RBs, QBs, and WRs get mentioned. What about the guys in the trenches, and the linebackers. Those are some of the hardest working troopers out there.

[unbiasedspectator]

I think having 285 yards(209 in the first half!!) and 3 TDs against CPA!! Not Jackson Christian, not all the horrible teams Cloudland played. C-P-A. The popular pick for State Champs going into the playoffs. Wooden RAN OVER their defense.Like TitansFan1234 said, I have also seen many games this year with many teams, and have not seen an athlete of this calibur.

Edited November 19, 2003 by unbiasedspectator

[krichunaka]

I think having 285 yards(209 in the first half!!) and 3 TDs against CPA!! Not Jackson Christian, not all the horrible teams Cloudland played. C-P-A. The popular pick for State Champs going into the playoffs. Wooden RAN OVER their defense.Like TitansFan1234 said, I have also seen many games this year with many teams, and have not seen an athlete of this calibur.

We were asked to name the player we feel is the best all around athlete. I think being four times all state is worthy of consideration. 3.8 student...4.4 forty....

 

I have nothing at all negative to say about any of the others. Nor should you. "unbiasedspectator''

 

I too have seen a lot of football players, and athletes; again, I've seen nothing to compare to Byrd.

 

Agree with you, John, those guys in the trenches make it all happen.

[FBGIRL]

I haven't seen Byrd play this year but I have seen Wooden. It has been said running backs are only as good as their line's. I know DCA's line is big but I saw Wooden make alot of yards completely on his own. Sometimes carrying defenders around his waist. He is a hoss on offensive, in the mix on defense and a very good punter also. Only wish the two would have played each other this year. The thread asked for top athletes not the top one.

[g-natin2005]

QB- Austin James

 

RB- Greg Way, Justin Coley,& Tory McClurg

 

OL- Kevin Daily, Joe Fee, Calabe Headrick,& Derek Bookout

 

DL- Jason Patty

 

LB- Josh Russell & Matt Long

 

DB- Joe Kemple

 

WR-Trae Helton, Matt Walker, Derak Bell, & Seth Ohara

 

TE- Justin Morton