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 1A Mr. Football was released on Oct. 13.
Here's The Tennessean's updated Mr. Football watchlist for 1A entering Week 10 of the TSSAA
football season.
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Ranking TSSAA Mr. Football prospects in Class 1A
1. Dayon Cooper
South Pittsburg | Senior | ATH
Why chosen: The Tennessee commit had six catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns in Week 9. He's totaled 26 receptions for 586 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing 19 times for 201 yards and six touchdowns, despite playing only the first half in the majority of South Pittsburg's games.
Last week: No. 1
2. Cole Brown
McKenzie | Senior | QB
Why chosen: Brown's completed 127-of-161 passes for 2,201 yards with 29 touchdowns and one interception, while rushing 46 times for 552 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's also recorded 60 tackles, nine for a loss, two interceptions and a sack on defense.
Last week: No. 2
3. Knox Israel
South Pittsburg | Senior | QB/LB
Why chosen: Israel was 9-of-13 passing for 174 yards and three touchdowns, while adding six carries for 88 yards and a score in the Pirates' win over Sale Creek. On the season he's completed 71-of-98 passes for 1,291 yards with 23 touchdowns and two interceptions, while rushing 92 times for 673 yards and nine touchdowns. He's also recorded 35 tackles, five for a loss and a sack on defense.
Last week: No. 3
4. Jaden Champion
Humboldt | Junior | QB
Why chosen: Champion was 17-of-23 passing for 317 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for a score in a win over Lake County. He leads the undefeated Vikings having completed 129-of-170 passes for 2,310 yards with 26 touchdowns and two interceptions. He's also rushed for 126 yards and three touchdowns.
Last week: No. 4
5. Darion Taylor
Humboldt | Senior | DB/WR
Why chosen: Taylor has 103 tackles, 11 pass break ups, nine TFLs, five forced fumbles and an interception, while on offense he’s recorded 48 catches for 868 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 184 yards and a touchdown. He enters the rankings after catching seven passes for 165 yards and two scores, while also recording 14 tackles in Week 9.
Last week: Not ranked
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: Updated TSSAA Mr. Football Class 1A top candidates entering Week 10. Who's trending up?
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