TSSAA Press Release - Mr. Football Awards

TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS NAMED

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) recently hosted their 23rd annual Mr. Football Awards luncheon and it was proudly sponsored by Nancy and Bud Adams and the Tennessee Titans Foundation.

"High school football in Tennessee enjoys a rich tradition throughout the state and the young men that were recognized at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards luncheon are truly the best of the best," said Titans Owner Bud Adams. "These young men were selected not only for their football skills, but also for their strong character and academic achievements and all 45 finalists are to be congratulated for being nominated for this award."

The Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards were presented to the top 14 backs and linemen in seven high school classifications of the TSSAA. For the sixth consecutive year, the top kicker in the state was also recognized with a Mr. Football Award at the luncheon held at the Nashville Airport Marriott on December 3, 2007. "On behalf of our 380 schools in the TSSAA, I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Adams and the Titans Foundation for the sponsorship of the Titans Mr. Football Awards," said Ronnie Carter, Executive Director of the TSSAA. "This partnership between the Titans and the TSSAA enabled 45 outstanding young men, their families, their schools and their communities to be recognized in a way that will be a memory for all of them for a lifetime."

"The Titans and everyone in the organization have been so supportive of high school education and athletics since coming to Tennessee," Carter added. "We are very excited about the partnership between our two organizations and look forward to working with everyone in the organization in the Titans Mr. Football Award program. We're very thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Adams for their commitment to high school athletics."

Former Titans Kevin Dyson and Chris Sanders were on hand to present the awards and were assisted in that duty by Titans cheerleaders Andi, Natalie and Shannon. Mike Keith, Voice of the Titans, served as the event's emcee.

Approximately 500 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state attended the 2007 luncheon. A committee of statewide sports writers selected the winners based on performance in the 2007 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration. High school head coaches and media members from across the state nominated the finalists.

2007 TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS

1A Lineman                                                  1A Back
Alex Matlock, Hollow Rock-Bruceton       Marco Dailey, Mt. Pleasant

2A Lineman                                                  2A Back
Dakota Crews, Lewis County                    Randall Cobb, Alcoa

3A Lineman 3A Back
Dont’a Hightower, Marshall County Deaunte Mason, Pearl Cohn

4A Lineman 4A Back
Aaron Douglas, Maryville Brent Burnette, Maryville

5A Lineman 5A Back
LaDarrius Verge, Riverdale Rodriguez Wilks, Smyrna

Division II-A Lineman Division II-A Back
Ben Popeck, St. George’s Grant Jessen, St. George’s

Division II-AA Lineman Division II-AAA Back
Preston Bailey, MBA Ben Bartholomew, MBA

Kicker of the Year

Mike Hammons, Polk County