2025 ALL-5STAR PREPS FOOTBALL TEAM SELECTIONS powered by Jeremy Cox/Thrivent Financial

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HOW PLAYERS ARE SELECTED

Below you’ll find the 2025 All-5Star Preps Football Teams, presented by Jeremy Cox of Thrivent Financial. Jeremy has been a long-time supporter of high school athletics and a trusted family friend. If you’re looking to take the next step towards a promising financial future, please contact Jeremy.

This is not a prospect list or recruiting rankings.

The athletes are chosen from a pool of 70 total schools from the 5Star Preps coverage area.

And they are selected based on a variety of factors, including: overall talent/skill, 2025 season statistics, team success in 2025, nominees from their head coaches, and recommendations from area coaches.

QUARTERBACKS

FIRST TEAM

Cooper Newman (Sevier County, junior): The Class 5A Tennesee Titans Mr. Football winner completed 73 percent of his passes for 3,705 yards and 45 touchdowns against four interceptions. He also ran for 116 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Smoky Bears reach the state final for a second consecutive season.

Caden Baugh (Greeneville, senior): The Class 4A Tennessee Titans Mr. Football winner completed 122 of 159 passes for 2,653 yards and 36 touchdowns against two interceptions. The VMI signee also ran for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on 133 carries in guiding Greeneville to the 4A state semifinals.

Kaden Long (Central, junior): A Class 5A Tennessee Titans Mr. Football finalist, Long authored one of the better statistical seasons around. He threw for 3,327 yards and 28 touchdowns against eight interceptions. But Long also ran for 1,286 yards and 18 touchdowns to lead Central to the 5A quarterfinals.

Thomas Manu (Alcoa, junior): In his first season as the starter, Manu — the 5Star Preps Offensive Player of the Year — led Alcoa to a Class 4A state championship and wound up with as many touchdown passes (45) as he had incompletions thrown (45). The Mr. Football finalist passed for 3,099 yards with just two interceptions. He had four rush TDs, as well.

Will Jones (Maryville, junior): A Class 6A Mr. Football semifinalist, Jones completed 172 of 218 passes for 2,558 yards and 33 touchdowns against six interceptions. On the ground, Jones ran 58 times for 407 yards and eight TDs.

SECOND TEAM

Amari Lethgo (Halls, senior): The all-time passing yardage and passing touchdowns leader in Halls football history led the Red Devils to the 5A state semifinals this season thanks to 3,074 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also ran for four touchdowns. He has signed to play baseball in college.

Deuce Rodgers (Powell, senior): Battling injury throughout the 2025 season, Rodgers — a University of the Cumberlands signee — ran for 969 yards and 16 touchdowns while also passing for 1,710 yards and 20 touchdowns (against one interception in 162 throws).

Blaine Stansberry (Oak Ridge, senior): Oak Ridge’s all-time leading passer threw for 2,220 yards and 22 scores against nine interceptions. A Davidson signee, Stansberry added 245 yards rushing and seven touchdowns in 11 games.

Jaxson Dabrowski (William Blount, senior): Dabrowski opened eyes in 2025, passing for 1,925 yards with 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions. But the Maryville College signee also ran for 19 touchdowns and 760 yards.

Noah Potter (Stone Memorial, senior): Completing 173 of 277 passes, Potter threw for 2,571 yards and 33 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Potter also ran for 588 yards and six scores.

THIRD TEAM

Mason Mitchell (Eagleton, junior): Mitchell helped steer the Royals to the 2A state semifinals, throwing for 2,781 yards and 29 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.

J.D. Gillum (Anderson County, freshman): Gillum missed a chunk of the season due to injury but the 2025 5Star Preps Offensive Underclassman of the Year returned in October to lead a playoff charge. He wound up throwing for 1,776 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Brody Sparks (Carter, junior): Sparks completed 175 of 264 passes for 2,490 yards and 19 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He also rushed for five touchdowns.

Kaiden Brewster (Meigs County, sophomore): Brewster powered the Meigs County offense with 819 passing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 1,326 yards and 14 touchdowns. Also a highly gifted DB, Brewster made eight pass breakups and three interceptions on defense.

Tyson Sutton (Gatlinburg-Pittman, junior): Sutton guided G-P to its first-ever appearance in the Class 3A BlueCross Bowl by throwing for 2,783 yards and 27 touchdowns against seven interceptions.

 

RUNNING BACKS 

FIRST TEAM

Jayzon Thompson (Anderson County, senior): Thompson’s lone season with the Mavs proved to be special, as the Cincinnati signee ran for 2,063 yards and also had 627 yards receiving. He scored 35 combined touchdowns in 13 games.

Jaiden Bunch (Coalfield, senior): A Class 1A Tennessee Titans Mr. Football finalist and the owner of Coalfield rushing records galore, Bunch ran for 2,230 yards as a senior with 34 touchdowns on 192 carries, averaging a whopping 11.6 yards per rush. He finished with 42 total TDs for Coalfield in the 2025 season.

Brayden Maples (Gatlinburg-Pittman, junior): Maples played a massive role in G-P reaching the 3A BlueCross Bowl, as the Division I prospect ran for 1,272 yards and 27 touchdowns to go with 25 catches for 250 yards and two TDs.

Tate Mason (Midway, senior): An dynamo in 1A, Mason ran for 1,713 yards and 27 touchdowns, averaging 9.6 yards per carry while also posting 92 tackles, 16 TFLs, nine sacks, six forced fumbles, four blocked punts, a blocked PAT and an interception on defense.

Ajabeon “JV” Stinson (Grace Christian, freshman): Stinson’s breakout season included 204 carries for 1,479 yards and 16 touchdowns. He finished with 1,793 all-purpose yards.

SECOND TEAM

Ryan Gibson (CAK, senior): Gibson ran 285 times for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns in his lone season with the Warriors.

Peanut Dyer (McMinn County, senior): Dyer showed big-play abilities many times over during the 2025 season and ran for 1,235 yards and 16 TDs, posting an 8.9-yard-per-carry average.

Ayden Hood (Pigeon Forge, senior): Hood’s second half of the season was an all-timer, and he wound up with 1,502 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Cameron George (Karns, sophomore): George ran 217 times fo 1,568 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Beavers in just 10 games this fall.  He added 147 yards receiving.

Ryheem Lee (West, sophomore): Lee finished with 150 carries and 925 yards with 12 touchdowns.

THIRD TEAM

Ayden Kline (William Blount, senior): Kline ran 171 times for 906 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.

Maurice Smith (Concord, freshman): Smith ran 147 times for 1,185 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Elliott Lindsey (Greenback, junior): A stout linebacker, too, Lindsey ran for 1,242 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Ty Fitch (Sweetwater, junior): Fitch ran 214 times for 1,339 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Nathan Patterson (Sevier County, sophomore): Patterson got stronger as the year wore on for the 5A runner-up Smoky Bears, running for 1,262 yards and 13 touchdowns.

 

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

FIRST TEAM

Jacob Crow (Alcoa, senior): A 6-9, 310-pound Texas Tech signee, Crow dominated from his starting offensive tackle spot for the Tornadoes during their run to the Class 4A BlueCross Bowl state championship.

Marlee Watts (Alcoa, junior): A 6-3, 295-pound veteran lineman, Watts put his all-state caliber talents to use for Alcoa at an offensive tackle spot for the Tornadoes in their 4A championship season.

Jared Bafford (Oak Ridge, senior): The 6-4, 300-pound Bafford signed in December to play for Chattanooga after earning All-Region 2-6A honors as a starting left tackle for the Wildcats.

Camden Goforth (McMinn County, senior): Once a Coastal Carolina commit, Goforth (6-4, 310) signed with West Virginia earlier this month after a highly decorated prep career at McMinn County.

Brody Smith (Maryville, senior): The Region 2-6A Offensive Lineman of the Year and recent N.C. State signee, Smith (6-6, 295) proved to be a formidable force up front for the Rebels once again this past fall.

Bishop Merriweather (Greeneville, senior): A four-year starter on the offensive line at Greeneville, Merriweather (6-5, 345) took home Region 1-4A Offensive Lineman of the Year in the Greene Devils’ run to the semifinals. He signed with University of the Cumberlands.

SECOND TEAM

Eli Tolley (Anderson County, junior): The 6-2, 300-pound Tolley operated at center for the Mavs, grading out at 94 percent and allowing zero sacks while also playing some defensive tackle.

Karnel Mills (Anderson County, junior): Mills graded out at 93 percent as an offensive guard for the Mavericks in their surge to the Region 2-4A championship.

Will DeLong (Grace Christian, junior): The 6-5, 345-pound DeLong helped clear the path for a Grace offense that put up roughly 4,500 yards and 56 touchdowns in 12 games.

Durgan Ragland (Hardin Valley, junior): A 6-5, 265 offensive tackle, Ragland earned All-Region 2-6A honors and is also garnering strong recognition as one of the nation’s top long-snapping talents.

Colton Moore (Alcoa, senior): The 6-3, 275-pound center helped guide Alcoa to a Class 4A BlueCross Bowl championship and helped comprise one of the more dominant offensive fronts in East Tennessee.

Brody Naughton (Powell, senior): Naughton (6-3, 260) was named 2025 Region 2-5A Offensive Lineman of the Year and helped Powell average 38.5 points and 366 yards per game.

THIRD TEAM

Brady Burke (Oneida, senior):  The 6-6, 290-pound Burke was a three-time all-region choice and started at right tackle the past two seasons for the Indians.

Charles Humphrey Jr. (Anderson County, senior): Humphrey, a 6-7, 295-pound Southern commit, helped AC put up over 4,000 yards of offense in 2025 while earning All-Region 2-4A honors.

Grant Arnold (Jefferson County, senior): Arnold (6-5, 325) was the 2025 Region 1-6A Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year and helped the Patriots’ offense put up some 3,500 yards in 11 games.

Rodney Inman (Coalfield, senior): Inman started every game at right tackle in Coalfield’s semifinal run, allowing zero sacks in 14 games for an offense that put up over 400 yards per game.

Nolan Parton (Sevier County, senior): Parton earned Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in Region 1-5A, playing a key role the last two seasons in Sevier County’s title run in 2024 and runner-up finish in 2025.

Peyton Standridge (Meigs County, junior): The 6-2, 265-pounder earned All-Region 2-3A Offensive Lineman of the Year and helped the Tigers put up gaudy rushing-game totals.

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

FIRST TEAM

Tyreek King (Catholic, senior): The Tennessee signee, Under Armour All-American and 2025 Mr. Football finalist led Catholic with 55 catches for 1,085 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished his high school career with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

Javaston Badgett (Central, senior): The epitome of a big-play receiver in 2025, Badgett helped spearhead a potent Bobcats offense with 58 catches for 1,092 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Bryson Maddox (Clinton, senior): The Middle Tennessee State signee had another monster season for the Dragons, hauling in 59 passes for 1,225 yards and 12 touchdowns.

DeZion Jackson (Powell, junior): Useful in the kick- and punt-return game, Jackson showed out this fall as Powell’s top receiving, posting a school-record 1,212 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games.

Jamir Dean (Alcoa, junior): The Power Four prospect and 6-3 Dean had career bests in single-season catches (53), receiving yards (1,141) and touchdowns (16) while helping Alcoa win the Class 4A state championship.

Lane Cope (Eagleton, senior): The Royals reached the Class 2A state semifinals and Cope was a critical piece of that run, catching 69 passes for 1,335 yards and 19 touchdowns. Oh, and he also made 99 tackles and intercepted four passes on defense. He signed as a preferred walk-on with Tennessee.

SECOND TEAM

Kadyn Page (Stone Memorial, junior): Page caught 86 passes in 12 games for 1,185 yards and 14 touchdowns during the Panthers’ 10-2 season in Class 4A football.

Elijah Spence (Gatlinburg-Pittman, senior): Spence’s 57 catches for 1,036 yards and 14 touchdowns helped G-P reach the 3A state title game. He also intercepted five passes as a defensive back.

JaColby Cooper (Alcoa, senior): Cooper, who’ll be a preferred walk-on at Tennessee, caught 52 passes for 4A champion Alcoa for 652 yards and nine touchdowns.

Jackson Savarese (Gatlinburg-Pittman, junior): Also a key member of the G-P secondary, Savarese posted 68 catches for 922 yards and eight touchdowns during G-P’s run to the title game.

Torin McAfee (Central, senior): One of the area’s top defensive backs, McAfee stepped into a prominent role as a receiver late in Central’s run to the 5A state quarterfinals. He finished with 41 catches for 879 yards and seven scores.

Jake Goodin (McMinn Central, senior): On top of intercepting six passes on defense, Goodin showed hands on offense, too. He caught 73 passes in 12 games for 930 yards and nine scores.

Gabe Linkous (CAK, senior): Linkous snagged a team-high 48 passes for a team-high 814 yards and seven touchdowns during the Warriors’ run to the Division II-AA quarterfinals. Linkous is headed to Morehead State to play college football.

 

TIGHT ENDS

FIRST TEAM

Malik Howard (Oak Ridge, junior): The Navy All-American Game participant hauled in career highs in catches (53), yards (778) and touchdown catches (11) during an 11-game 2025 season.

Jaxson Perry (Sevier County, junior): A menace on defense (92 tackles, eight sacks), too, Perry proved just as valuable on offense for state runner-up Sevier County. He caught 39 passes for 532 yards and eight touchdowns.

SECOND TEAM

J.J. Sackie (Central, junior): Sackie caught 42 passes for 748 yards and five touchdowns in the Bobcats’ run to the quarterfinals.

Chase Norman (Gibbs, senior): The ETSU signee overcame injury to return and play a key role defensive but also tally 197 yards and two touchdowns as a tight end.

Jaylen Stolz (Northview, senior): Stolz (6-3, 220) started all 10 games and hauled in 14 passes for 202 yards while also starring on defense.

 

ATHLETES

FIRST TEAM

Bryson Headrick (Sevier County, senior): The owner of school receiving and defensive interception records galore, Headrick caught 73 passes as a senior for 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also had five interceptions, six pass breakups, two defensive TDs, a punt return TD, two blocked field goals and two blocked PATs.

Shavar Young (Webb, senior): A Clemson commit and Tennessee Titans Mr. Football finalist, Young amasssed 1,087 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns to go with 751 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He also made 51 tackles, forced two fumbles and had 331 kickoff return yards.

Jaxon Jett (Oliver Springs, senior): Jett became the second area player in as many years to top 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. He added 22 combined receiving and rushing TDs and intercepted five passes on defense to go with 46 total tackles.

Jace Ballard (Grace Christian, senior): a Division II-A Mr. Football semifinalist, Ballard was Mr. Big Play Guy for Grace. The VMI signee ran for 681 yards and 17 touchdowns and also had 71 catches for 1,020 yards and 12 more TDs. He returned nine kicks for 274 yards and a score.

Shawn Jackson (Jefferson County, senior): The Region 1-6A MVP caught 68 passes for 926 yards and 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 188 more yards and four scores. He logged 314 kickoff return yards with a TD and made 35 tackles with an interception and defensive score.

Tory Beaufort (Maryville, senior): Beaufort is headed to play at Austin Peay in college after a senior season that featured 63 catches, 1,044 yards receiving yards, 15 receiving TDs; 216 rushing yards, four rushing TDs, 339 kickoff return yards, and 117 punt-return yards.

SECOND TEAM

Micah Jones (Alcoa, junior): The 4A BlueCross Bowl MVP raacked up 17 rushing touchdowns for Alcoa but also had 42 tackles, a defensive touchdown and five interceptions.

Jayden Davidson (Rockwood, senior): Davidson posted 1,310 rushing yards and 15 scores to go with 325 receiving yards and three more TDs. He added a punt-return TD, a kickoff return TD, eight defensive interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

Cecilio Rodriguez (Gatlinburg-Pittman, senior): Rodriguez ran for 863 yards and 16 touchdowns but also added 223 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He made 19 tackles on defense and made 66 of 71 PATs and 6 of 6 field-goal attempts.

Dajuan Harris (Gibbs, senior): Harris came through with countless big plays in 2025 for the Eagles and wound up with 1,012 all-purpose yards, five receiving touchdowns, eight rushing touchdowns, 36 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Jody Scruggs (Carter, senior): Scruggs produced and then some for the Hornets, rushing for 584 yards and eight scores while catching 49 passes for 861 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, he made 28 tackles with an interception and two defensive touchdowns. Scruggs is headed to Georgetown College.

Deameion Leavell (Anderson County, senior): Due to an injury to starter J.D. Gillum, Leavell was thrust into a starting quarterback role for four games and some change. The Chattanooga signee still wound up with 389 receiving yards and four TDs and 24 tackles and two interceptions on defense.

THIRD TEAM

Tuff Ricker (Meigs County, senior): One of the top athletes in Class 3A, Ricker made an impact in the Meigs County run game (1,113 rush, 23 TDs) and also on defense: 98 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions.

Weston Ritter (Karns, senior): One of the Beavers’ top playmakers on both sides of the ball, Ritter caught 41 passes for 676 yards and 11 touchdowns but also had 54 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks. He is an Emory & Henry signee.

Thomas Bowers (Heritage, senior): Bowers helped Heritage stay competitive in 2025 with 64 tackles, seven tackles for loss, an interception, 668 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

Kaden Webber (Grace, junior): Reeling in 28 passes for 490 yards and six touchdowns, Webber also made 70 tackles with 15.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble. He added 135 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Ja’Rell Jemerson (Oak Ridge, senior): After picking off two passes in a season-opening win against Halls, Jemerson established his defensive-back prowess. Then when injuries hit the offense, he helped pick up the slack with 625 yards receiving and three TDs.

Condis Cherry (Alcoa, junior): An injury in Week 11 derailed what was a solid year for all-purpose athlete Cherry. He was leading Alcoa in rushing (650 yards on 61 carries) and a valuable member of the Alcoa secondary.

 

 

ALL-5STAR PREPS DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

FIRST TEAM

Iverson Garcia (Powell, senior): The South Florida signee and Region 2-5A Defensive Player of the Year, Iverson (6-3, 302) posted 101 tackles with 15 TFLs, seven sacks, and 35 QB pressures.

Mack Serr (Maryville, senior): A multi-year starter and big-time producer in 6A football, Serr (6-3, 240) finished off his prep career with 86 tackles in the 2025 season, including 11 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles and a blocked punt.

Tobja Walters (Oak Ridge, senior): The 6-1, 295-pound Austin Peay signee and Region 2-6A Defensive Player of the Year made 37 tackles with 11 tackles and six sacks.

Kenny Harris (Alcoa, senior): The 6-2, 255-pound Harris helped Alcoa win a Class 4A state championship, piling up 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss along with 16 quarterback hurries and an interception.

Zorian Harris (Greeneville, senior, DL): The 6-1, 285-pound Harris — the Region 1-4A Defensive Player of the Year — had 17 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback pressures. He signed with University of the Cumberlands.

Collin Crider (CAK, senior): The 6-3, 240-pound Crider recently signed with The Citadel after his highly productive senior season: 89 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.

Sidikay Dikisongele (Lakeway, junior): The Division II-AA East Defensive Lineman of the Year stands 6-5 and 305 pounds and finished with 63 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and 11 QB pressures.

SECOND TEAM

Zhy’on Ray (Kingston, senior): Area coaches and offensive linemen raved about Ray’s ability on the defensive front. A relentless pursuer of the football, Ray amassed 17 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks to go with 56 tackles en route to being Region 2-3A Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Seth Seiber (Gibbs, junior): Seiber (6-2, 220) seemingly felt like a shoo-in for defensive player of the week every time out. That consistent. That good. He finished with 10.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 64 tackles.

Blair Goodson (Alcoa, senior): The 6-foot, 240-pound Goodson rang up five sacks and 12 QB pressures, a forced fumble and an interception during the Tornadoes’ run to the Class 4A championship. He has committed to Maryville College.

Joshua Kay (Powell, sophomore): One of the area’s more productive underclassmen, Kay (6-1, 190) came off the edge for 12 sacks, 56 tackles, 42 QB pressures and an interception. He was named Region 2-5A Defensive Lineman of the Year and 5Star Preps Defensive Underclassman of the Year.

Jake Coffey (Carter, senior): A massive defensive tackle, Coffey posted 53 tackles this fall with 13 tackles for loss and 10 sacks en route to being named Region 2-4A Defensive Lineman of the Year. He will play at Murray State.

Owen Petoskey (Farragut, senior): The 6-1, 260-pound Petoskey rang up 21.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and 71 tackles in his final season of prep football. He is committed to Morehead State.

Chance Sharp (HVA, junior): The 6-2, 210-pound Sharp pulled double duty this year but really impressed off the edge with 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks, using his strength and wingspan to excel.

THIRD TEAM

Eli Ritter (Coalfield, junior): Ritter record 139 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Logan Lawrence (Jefferson County, junior): Lawrence logged seven sacks for the Patriots this past fall.

Kage Edwards (Midway, senior): Edwards’ wide tackle radius produced 71 stops, 12 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.

Jesse Zachary (Oneida, senior): The 6-3, 225-pound Zachary had 10 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in 2025.

Bryson Collette (Tellico Plains, senior): Collette registered 93 tackles, 23 stops for loss, four sacks and four forced fumbles.

Bradley Mayfield (McMinn Central, senior): Mayfield came off the edge for eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

Jeremiah Caswell (West, sophomore): The 6-1, 195-pound D-end had 8.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and 80.5 tackles.

Jace Boyd (William Blount, junior): A 6-4, 235-pound edge, Boyd made 9.5 sacks and 17 stops for loss in 2025.

 

LINEBACKERS

FIRST TEAM

Parker Newman (Sevier County, junior): The 6-5, 210-pound Newman earned 5Star Preps Defensive Player of the Year and had 117 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, four interceptions, eight pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and three defensive touchdowns. The Power Four prospect also had 78 catches, for 1,059 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Joey Galazin (Sevier County, senior): A 6-5, 220-pound volume tackler, Galazin led the 5Star Preps coverage area in tackles this past fall with 174. But he also made 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass breakups, an interception-return TD and two blocked punts.

Dee Sudderth (Alcoa, junior): This 6-2, 220-pound standout helped Alcoa win a Class 4A state championship with 58 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and eight QB pressures. He had seven tackles, a tackle for loss and QB hurry in the title-game win.

Dom Culp (Halls, senior): The all-time leading tackler in Halls history had another monster season, going for 116 tackles, five interceptions, eight sacks, and 17 tackles for loss. Culp helped Halls reach the 5A state semifinals.

Carson Pearce (Halls, junior): A 6-1, 205-pound outside linebacker, Pearce had his breakout season in Halls’ run to the 5A semifinals, recording 144 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.

Gavin Self (Halls, junior): One of the area’s leaders in tackles, the 6-foot, 220-pound Self wound up with 164 tackles, 16 TFLs, and five sacks while helping Halls make it to the Class 5A state semifinals.

Dax Cole (Maryville, junior): The 6-1, 210-pound Cole led Maryville in tackles (126) but also rang up 14 tackles for loss, and five sacks during the Rebels’ 11-2 campaign.

SECOND TEAM

Cooper Jones (Oliver Springs, senior): The 6-1, 215-pound Jones is one of Oliver Springs’ best defensive players ever. The 2025 Region 2-1A Defensive Player of the Year amassed 130 tackles with seven tackles and two sacks.

Johnny Rosenbalm (Carter, junior): The 6-2, 210-pound Rosenbalm posted 22 tackles for loss in 11 games this past fall, also logging 126 total tackles with seven sacks.

Craig Huskey (Gatlinburg-Pittman, senior): Huskey (6-3, 215) earned Co-Defensive Player of the Year in Region 1-3A, helping G-P reach the 3A BlueCross Bowl with 154 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and a sack.

Jackson Coffey (Grace, junior): The 5-11, 200-pound Coffey impressed many during the 2025 season, ending up with 106 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and three pass breakups.

Gavin Jones (Catholic, senior): The Brown University signee and 6-1, 215-pound Jones led Catholic in tackles (87) and tackles for loss (seven).

Sean Young (Jefferson County, senior): The Region 1-6A Defensive Player of the Year finished his final prep season with 94 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three sacks.

THIRD TEAM

Ben Gilbert (Oneida, senior): The Region 2-2A MVP made 120 tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He also rushed for 800 yards and carried a 38-yard-per-punt average.

Samuel Mann (HVA, senior): The 5-11, 205-pound Mann had 119 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games.

D’Andre Hundley (Austin-East, senior): The 6-2, 220-pound Hundley made 18 stops behind the line and five sacks in 2025.

Jennarius Henry (Alcoa, sophomore): Henry recorded 6.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, four QB pressures and three pass breakups.

Oliver Zeunik (Cosby, senior): The Region 1-1A Defensive Player of the Year had 106 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.

Jack Lister (Greeneville, junior): Lister’s 84 tackles and 13 tackles for loss helped Greeneville reach the 4A semifinals.

J.P. Peace (West, junior): The Tennessee commit made 80 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

 

DEFENSIVE BACKS

FIRST TEAM

Jarrell Chandler (Halls, junior): A Power Four prospect recruit, Chandler made 109 tackles with 13 tackles for loss, 23 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and an interception — on top of his 763 yards receiving and seven TDs.

Andrew Smith (Maryville, senior): The 6-3, 195-pound Smith, a Dayton signee, made 51 tackles for the Rebels with six interceptions.

Brody Rogers (Halls, senior): The 6-1, 190-pound University of the Cumberlands commit intercepted a combined 15 passes in the 2024-25 seasons. As a senior, he had 54 tackles and five interceptions to go with 1,007 receiving yards and 12 scores.

Zaydyn Anderson (Greeneville, senior): A University of Tennessee defensive back signee, Anderson made 25 tackles with six pass breakups and an interception to go with 18 receiving touchdowns and 1,169 yards receiving.

Taren Claridy (Greeneville, junior): An ultra-athletic DB, Claridy intercepted eight passes and broke up 10 while making 40 tackles, four tackles for loss and two defensive touchdowns.

Chaz Smith (Catholic, senior): The Notre Dame signee broke up eight passes and intercepted two for the Irish to go with his 33 tackles.

SECOND TEAM

Wyatt Maples (Sevier County, senior): The 6-2, 170-pound Maples helped Sevier County get back to the 5A title game with 39 tackles, seven pass breakups, an interception, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown.

De’Mauri Dubose (Alcoa, junior): Dubose answered the bell late in the season when Alcoa needed some help in the offensive backfield (628 yards rushing, 103 yards receiving) but he’s more known for his DB abilities (25 tackles, nine pass breakups, two interceptions).

Reese Russell (Anderson County, senior): Russell stood out in 2025 in the AC secondary, where he had 101 tackles, five tackles for loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns.

Kaine Ricker (Greeneville, junior): Ricker didn’t get lost in the shadows of Zaydyn Anderson nor Taren Claridy. He made 42 tackles, with six interceptions, five pass breakups, a defensive touchdown and two forced fumbles.

John Keohane (Gatlinburg-Pittman, junior): Keohane helped the Highlanders reached the Class 3A BlueCross Bowl Championship round thanks to 93 tackles and six interceptions.

Brooks Johnston (Catholic, sophomore): The 6-2, 180-pound Johnston, a Division I prospect, had his breakout season with 52 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions in the Irish secondary.

Xavier Bowman (Catholic, sophomore): A Power Four prospect, Bowman (5-11, 170) came up with 13 pass breakups, an interception and 45 tackles in his 2025 campaign.

THIRD TEAM

Keyshawn Mills (Anderson County, senior): Mills had 25 tackles with three interception in his lone season with the Mavs.

Gabe St. John (Anderson County, senior): St. John snagged five interceptions with two tackles for loss and 32 tackles.

Jamerius Abuhania (Alcoa, junior): Abuhania came up with some big offensive catches. But his defense proved equally as valuable in Alcoa’s run to the 4A state championship.

Jeremiah Smith (South-Doyle, junior): Smith led South-Doyle in receiving yards (440) but also made 52 tackles as a member of the secondary, recording three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

Evan Pritchard (Grace, senior): Pritchard picked off three passes with six tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and 50 tackles.

Dasani Moulden (Concord, freshman): Moulden intercepted four passes, returning one for a TD, to go with 52 tackles.

Micah Boles (Scott, senior): Boles earned Region 2-3A Defensive Player of the Year from his free safety spot.

 

SPECIALISTS

PLACEKICKERS

Mikel Van Pelt (Gibbs, senior): The Mr. Football Kicker finalist and Carson-Newman signee went 44 of 44 on PATs, 7 of 10 on field goals with a long of 50 and sent 47 of 57 kickoffs for touchbacks.

Samuel Gourley (Greeneville, senior): Gourley logged 50 touchbacks on kickoffs this past fall and also had 83 total kick points.

Eli Pearson (Oak Ridge, senior): A Mr. Football Kicker semifinalist, Pearson made all 38 PATs he tried but also made six field goals (long 45) and had 40 touchbacks on kickoff duty. He will head to ETSU for college football play.

William Bowers (Elizabethton, junior): A highly rated prospect, Bowers had 58 of 60 kickoffs go for touchbacks while also going 7-for-12 on field-goal tries and 42 of 45 on PATs.

Ryan McCue (Farragut, senior): McCue was an astounding 8 of 10 on field-goal attempts while making 25 PATs and recording 27 touchbacks on kickoffs. He will play in college at Lindsey Wilson.

Kyrin Tyson (Alcoa, senior): Tyson sent 69 kickoffs for touchbacks and recorded 100 total kick points.

PUNTERS

Julian Melendy (Farragut, junior): The 6-foot Melendy punted 20 times for a 44.1-yard-per-punt average.

Logan Holbrook (HVA, junior): The 6-5, 220-pound Holbrook averaged 43.1 yards per punt.

Bennett Jelks (CAK, junior): Jelks boomed 22 punts and averaged 41.2 yards per punt

Parker Crittenden (Halls, senior): Crittenden punted 29 times for 39.4 yards per punt.

Hudson Jamerson (Maryville, senior): Jamerson averaged 38.4 yards per punt for the Rebels

Colston Colquitt (West, junior): Colquitt hit 27 punts for 38.4 yards per attempt.