Football
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Tennessee Titans Mr. Football winners
Tennessee’s best high school football players for 2023 were recognized at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards luncheon hosted by the Tennessee Titans.
More than 400 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state, attended the 2023 luncheon at Nissan Stadium.
“This is such an outstanding honor for all 30 of the young men recognized today at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards,” said Mark Reeves, Executive Director of the TSSAA. “They were here not only due to their athletic ability that they displayed on the field throughout the season, but just as much for their outstanding character and academic achievements.”
“For decades, the Titans have made supporting high school and youth football programs a top priority. The athletes being honored today represent some of the most talented across the state – not only showing determination on-the-field, but also demonstrating tremendous character off-the-field,” said Burke Nihill, Titans President and CEO. “We are proud to support the Mr. Football Awards and highlight these incredible men who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
High school head coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists. A committee of statewide sports writers selected winners based on performance in the 2023 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration.
The awards were presented to the top football players in each of the nine classifications of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association. The top kickers in the state were also recognized. There were three finalists in this category, regardless of their school’s classification.
The Titans became sponsors of the Mr. Football Awards in 2007.
Here are this year's winners and finalists.
Class 1A
Dawson White, Moore Co., Sr.
Finalists: Ben Franklin, Cornersville; Cameron Schlicht, Dresden
Class 2A
Isaiah Groves, East Robertson, Jr.
Finalists: Darien Meza, Mt. Pleasant; Stone Wallace, Riverside
Class 3A
Radarious Jackson, Sheffield, Jr.
Finalists: Skylan Smith, Covington; Brandon Winton Jr., Alcoa
Class 4A
KeShawn Tarleton, Pearl-Cohn, Sr.
Finalists: Gabe Borders, Macon Co.; Zeion Simpson-Smith, Pearl-Cohn
Class 5A
Kelvin Perkins, Southwind, So.
Finalists: Eric Hazzard, Page; Dominic Reed, Centennial
Class 6A
Boo Carter, Bradley Central, Sr.
Finalists: Braden Graham, Riverdale; Daune Morris, Oakland
Division II-A
Jay'Len Mosley, Jackson Christian, Jr.
Finalists: Brian Shields, FACS; Tyson Wolcott, Friendship Christian
Division II-AA
Crews Law, CPA, Sr.
Finalists: Markeis Barrett, Knoxville Webb; Ty Clark III, FRA
Division II-AAA
Amari Jefferson, Baylor
Finalists: Kaleb Beasley, Lipscomb Academy; Carson Gentle, McCallie
Kicker of the Year
Owen Taylor, Knoxville Halls, Sr.
Finalists: Grant Chadwick, Tullahoma; Daniel Echeverria, Mt. Juliet
More than 400 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state, attended the 2023 luncheon at Nissan Stadium.
“This is such an outstanding honor for all 30 of the young men recognized today at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards,” said Mark Reeves, Executive Director of the TSSAA. “They were here not only due to their athletic ability that they displayed on the field throughout the season, but just as much for their outstanding character and academic achievements.”
“For decades, the Titans have made supporting high school and youth football programs a top priority. The athletes being honored today represent some of the most talented across the state – not only showing determination on-the-field, but also demonstrating tremendous character off-the-field,” said Burke Nihill, Titans President and CEO. “We are proud to support the Mr. Football Awards and highlight these incredible men who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
High school head coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists. A committee of statewide sports writers selected winners based on performance in the 2023 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration.
The awards were presented to the top football players in each of the nine classifications of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association. The top kickers in the state were also recognized. There were three finalists in this category, regardless of their school’s classification.
The Titans became sponsors of the Mr. Football Awards in 2007.
Here are this year's winners and finalists.
Class 1A
Dawson White, Moore Co., Sr.
Finalists: Ben Franklin, Cornersville; Cameron Schlicht, Dresden
Class 2A
Isaiah Groves, East Robertson, Jr.
Finalists: Darien Meza, Mt. Pleasant; Stone Wallace, Riverside
Class 3A
Radarious Jackson, Sheffield, Jr.
Finalists: Skylan Smith, Covington; Brandon Winton Jr., Alcoa
Class 4A
KeShawn Tarleton, Pearl-Cohn, Sr.
Finalists: Gabe Borders, Macon Co.; Zeion Simpson-Smith, Pearl-Cohn
Class 5A
Kelvin Perkins, Southwind, So.
Finalists: Eric Hazzard, Page; Dominic Reed, Centennial
Class 6A
Boo Carter, Bradley Central, Sr.
Finalists: Braden Graham, Riverdale; Daune Morris, Oakland
Division II-A
Jay'Len Mosley, Jackson Christian, Jr.
Finalists: Brian Shields, FACS; Tyson Wolcott, Friendship Christian
Division II-AA
Crews Law, CPA, Sr.
Finalists: Markeis Barrett, Knoxville Webb; Ty Clark III, FRA
Division II-AAA
Amari Jefferson, Baylor
Finalists: Kaleb Beasley, Lipscomb Academy; Carson Gentle, McCallie
Kicker of the Year
Owen Taylor, Knoxville Halls, Sr.
Finalists: Grant Chadwick, Tullahoma; Daniel Echeverria, Mt. Juliet
