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 5A Mr. Football was released on Oct. 14.
Here's The Tennessean's updated Mr. Football watchlist for 5A entering Week 10 of the TSSAA
football season.
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Ranking TSSAA Mr. Football prospects in Class 5A
1. Kaden Long
Knoxville Central | Senior | QB
Why chosen: Long had a Mr. Football worthy performance in Central's 49-33 over Halls, completing 13-of-21 passes for 177 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while also rushing 20 times for 211 yards and three touchdowns. On the season he's completed 132-of-189 yards for 2,006 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions, while carrying the ball 108 times for 854 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Last week: No. 1
2. Cooper Newman
Sevier County | Senior | QB
Why chosen: The UConn commit has now set TSSAA records for passing yards (11,127) and passing touchdowns (146) in a career, after completing 15-of-21 passes for 340 yards and five touchdowns in a Week 9 win over Tennessee High. This year he's completed 130-of-191 passes for 2,043 yards with 34 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Last week: No. 3
3. Tay Starks
Munford | Junior | RB
Why chosen: Starks rushed 13 times for 47 yards and two touchdowns, while also completing a 61-yard touchdown pass as the Cougars took down Brighton 42-7. He's totaled 116 carries for 788 yards and 16 touchdowns on the season, while completing 3-of-4 passes for 113 yards and a score.
Last week: No. 2
4. Joshua Kay
Powell | Junior | DE
Why chosen: Kay had a quieter outing as Powell suffered an upset defeat to Jefferson County in Week 9, recording three tackles and three quarterback hurries. He's now up to 51 tackles on the season with 16 for a loss, 24 QB hurries, nine sacks and a forced fumble.
Last week: No. 4
5. Parker Newman
Sevier County | Senior | TE
Why chosen: The Duke commit enters the rankings after recording 104 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions against Tennessee high. This season he's been the Smoky Bears' top option in the pass game, catching 42 passes for 769 yards and 13 touchdowns.
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: Sevier County duo rise in TSSAA Mr. Football Class 5A rankings. See our updated list
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