Tennessee’s best high school football players for 2022 were recognized at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards luncheon hosted by the Tennessee Titans.
Smyrna senior Arion Carter was selected as Class 6A Mr. Football. Carter rushed for nearly 12-hundred yards this season with 19 touchdowns. He also had over 90 tackles and three forced fumbles along with an interception for the Bulldog's defense.
More than 400 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state, attended the 2022 luncheon at Nissan Stadium.
“This is such an outstanding honor for all 30 of the young men recognized today at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards,” said Mark Reeves, Executive Director of the TSSAA. “They were here not only due to their athletic ability that they displayed on the field throughout the season, but just as much for their outstanding character and academic achievements.”
“For decades, the Titans have made supporting high school and youth football programs a top priority. The athletes being honored today represent some of the most talented across the state – not only showing determination on-the-field, but also demonstrating tremendous character off-the-field,” said Burke Nihill, Titans President and CEO. “We are proud to support the Mr. Football Awards and highlight these incredible men who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
High school head coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists. A committee of statewide sports writers selected winners based on performance in the 2022 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration.
The awards were presented to the top football players in each of the nine classifications of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association. The top kickers in the state were also recognized. There were three finalists in this category, regardless of their school’s classification.
The Titans became sponsors of the Mr. Football Awards in 2007.
2022 TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS
Division I, Class 1A
Jackson Cassidy, McKenzie
Division I, Class 2A
Josh Jackson, Tyner
Division I, Class 3A
Lance Williams, Alcoa
Division I, Class 4A
Marcellus Jackson, Fulton
Division I, Class 5A
De’Sean Bishop, Karns
Division I, Class 6A
Arion Carter, Smyrna
Division II, Class A
D.J. Merriweather, Clarksville Academy
Division II, Class AA
Maureice “Junior” Sherrill, Lipscomb Academy
Division II, Class AAA
Marcel Reed, Montgomery Bell Academy
KICKER OF THE YEAR
Oziel Hernandez, Germantown
