As we head into the final weeks of the TSSAA football regular season, the races for the state's top individual honor are beginning to come into view.
Every year the TSSAA names a Tennessee Titans Mr. Football in each classification, as well as a Kicker of the Year, based on performances throughout the regular season along with academics and character.
For the remainder of the regular season, each week, The Tennessean will rank the top five players on our Mr. Football watchlist for every classification, highlighting the athletes we believe have the best shot of claiming the award in December.
Our first ranking for Class 4A Mr. Football was released on Oct. 14.
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Here's The Tennessean's updated Mr. Football
watchlist for 4A entering Week 10 of the TSSAA football season.
Ranking TSSAA Mr. Football prospects in Class 4A
1. Taren Claridy
Greeneville | Senior | WR/DB
Why chosen: Claridy was dominant in a 49-14 over Volunteer in Week 9, catching nine passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns. On the season he's recorded 1,631 all-purpose yards and 22 total touchdowns, including 50 receptions for 1,265 yards. At defensive back he's added 16 tackles, three for a loss, four pass break ups, three interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble.
Last week: No. 1
2. Jaden Butler
Haywood | Senior | ATH
Why chosen: The Tennessee commit had a monster outing in the Tomcats' 43-0 win over Memphis Business, rushing eight times for 203 yards and three touchdowns. On the season he's totaled 67 carries for 808 yards and 14 touchdowns, while catching 13 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns. At defensive back he's recorded 47 tackles, three interceptions, two pass break ups and a forced fumble.
Last week: No. 4
3. Kaine Ricker
Greeneville | Senior | QB
Why chosen: Ricker was the picture of efficiency in the Greene Devils' Week 9 win, completing 8-of-11 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns. He's now 87-of-105 passing for 2,125 yards with 26 touchdowns and no interceptions, with 31 carries for 164 yards and six touchdowns. On defense he's recorded 15 tackles, two for a loss, four pass break ups, an interception and a defensive touchdown.
Last week: No. 3
4. Jermaine Cobbins
Springfield | Senior | WR/DB
Why chosen: The five-star Class of 2028 recruit had a week off with Springfield on an open date in Week 9. Through eight games Cobbins racked up 29 catches for 562 yards and six touchdowns, along with 135 rushing yards and a touchdown. At defensive back he has 18 tackles, three TFLs, two pass break ups and a forced fumble.
Last week: No. 2
5. Micah Jones
Alcoa | Senior | RB
Why chosen: Jones rushed for 40 yards and a pair of touchdowns on eight carries as Alcoa rolled past Heritage 40-7 in Week 9. He's now totaled 600 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the defending Class 4A state champions in scoring and yards per game.
Last week: No. 5
Do you have a player worthy of Mr. Football consideration? Email hcampbell@usatodayco.com with the athlete's information and season stats to be considered for our watchlist.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee football commit rises in latest TSSAA Mr. Football Class 4A rankings
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