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.
Initially five Mr. Football semifinalists will be named by the TSSAA in each classification, after fielding nominations from high school coaches and media members across the state. Then a committee of Tennessee high school sports writers will meet to determine the winners in each class.
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.
Here's The Tennessean's Mr. Football watchlist for Class 1A entering Week 9 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 is the reigning Class 1A Mr. Football winner. This season he's caught 20 passes for 450 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing 19 times for 201 yards and six touchdowns.
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. Then on defense he's recorded 60 tackles, nine for a loss, two interceptions and a sack.
3. Knox Israel
South Pittsburg | Senior | QB/LB
Why chosen: Israel is 62-of-85 passing for 1,117 yards with 20 touchdowns and one interception, while rushing 86 times for 585 yards and eight touchdowns. On defense he has 25 tackles, five for a loss and a sack.
4. Jaden Champion
Humboldt | Junior | QB
Why chosen: Humboldt is undefeated through seven games with Champion completing 112-of-147 passes for 1,993 yards with 22 touchdowns and two interceptions, while rushing for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
5. Avery Brown
McKenzie | Senior | WR/DB
Why chosen: Brown has 1,155 all-purpose yards, including 34 catches for 826 yards, with 16 total touchdowns. On defense he has 23 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery.
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: Who leads TSSAA's Mr. Football race in Class 1A? We rank our top five entering Week 9
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