THE TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARDS FINALISTS

Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards will be presented to the top 14 backs and linemen in seven classifications of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association on Monday, December 1, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Murfreesboro.

For the seventh consecutive year, the top kicker in the state will be recognized with a Mr. Football Award. There are three finalists in this category, regardless of their school’s classification. The awards are sponsored by Nancy and Bud Adams through their donation from the Tennessee Titans Foundation."High school football in Tennessee enjoys a great tradition throughout the state and we are pleased to join the TSSAA for the second consecutive year in saluting these fine young men at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards," said Adams. "The young men that are recognized with these awards are truly the best of the best! They are selected not only for their football skills, but for their strong character and academic achievements and we're honored to join the TSSAA in saluting them!"

A committee of statewide sports writers selected winners based on performance in the 2008 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration. High school head coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists.

"We're very thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Adams and the Tennessee Titans for their continued commitment to high school athletics,” stated Ronnie Carter, Executive Director of the TSSAA. "We are obviously excited and appreciative about being involved with the Tennessee Titans.

"They have helped make the recognition of the 45 student-athletes, their families, and schools possible," added Carter.

This is the twenty-fourth year that the Mr. Football Awards have been presented to Tennessee’s best high school football players. Plaques will be presented to 30 other finalists.

Approximately 700 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state, are expected to attend the 2008 luncheon.

Mike Keith, play-by-play voice of the Tennessee Titans, will emcee the awards presentations.

Live audio and videostream of the awards will be provided for free by the Tennessee High School Sports Network (THSSN).

Those interested can watch or listen to the awards by going to http://www.thssn.net/.

2008 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Finalists

1A LINEMAN

Brent Ford, Trousdale County
Preston Gilbreath, Mt. Pleasant

Tyler Richardson, Grace Christian

2A LINEMAN

Michael Baker, Westmoreland

Tyler Robinson, Alcoa

Mason Sharp, Lewis County

3A LINEMAN

Blaine Boone, White House

Daniel Hood, Knoxville Catholic

Evan Webb, David Lipscomb

4A LINEMAN

Romario Cathey, Maplewood

Kevin Revis, Rhea County

Justin Smith, Maryville

5A LINEMAN

Will Jackson, Farragut

Tim McAdoo, Oakland

Jacques Smith, Ooltewah

DII-A LINEMAN

Blair Arrington, Davidson Academy

Don Gant, First Assembly Christian

Will Rikard, Harding Academy

DII-AA LINEMAN

Wesley Johnson, MBA

Austin Long, Briarcrest

Thad McHaney, Brentwood Academy

1A BACK

David Jones, South Pittsburg

James King, Manassas

Colton Speed, Union City

2A BACK

Kane Crowell, Lewis County

Ben Cunningham, Goodpasture

Jake Overbey, USJ

3A BACK

Demario Carter, Sheffield

Hunter Poteete, Dekalb County

Zach Rogers, David Lipscomb

4A BACK

Will Gilchrist, Hardin County

Eric Gordon, Hillsboro

Marsalis Teague, Henry County

5A BACK

Tausean Holmes, Millington

Graham Nichols, Franklin

Chaz Scales, Centennial

DII-A BACK

Marlon Brown, Harding Academy

Ryan Dubois, SBEC

Justin Williams, Davidson Academy

DII-AA BACK

Barry Brunetti, MUS

Tavarres Jefferson, Ensworth

Spencer Wise, MBA

KICKER OF THE YEAR

Josh Davis, Rhea County

Danny Kim, Camden

Jared White, Trousdale County