The Guardian Foundation Repair has opened voting for its top preseason athlete award for the 2026 Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) football season, with the deadline set for noon on July 30. The honor spotlights the most promising high school players as they gear up for the upcoming campaign.
Rising Stars Across the State
This year’s candidate list reads like a who’s who of emerging talent, each bringing a blend of statistical dominance and college‑level commitments that have turned heads across the state.
Jarrell Chandler of Halls High School has already logged 94 tackles, eight pass breakups, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, an interception and a fumble recovery, earning a commitment to Clemson University. His all‑around defensive skill set makes him a focal point for recruiters.
In Greeneville, Taren Claridy was named Region 1‑4A Athlete of the Year for 2025 after amassing 35 catches for 544 yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing a potent receiving threat that helped his team climb the rankings.
Freshman sensation Jasper Hamilton from Tellico Plains burst onto the scene with 634 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 108 carries, hinting at a backfield that could redefine the rushing narrative.
Donovan Jackson of Jefferson County combined a powerful ground game — 1,007 yards and five touchdowns on 164 carries — with 24 tackles and a pass breakup, underscoring his two‑way impact.
Caden Jay from Lenoir City contributed 766 rushing yards and six touchdowns while also delivering 46 tackles, three pass breakups, two tackles for loss and an interception on defense, painting a picture of a true dual‑threat player.
Micah Jones out of Alcoa added 628 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 100 carries, complemented by 40 tackles, five interceptions and two defensive scores, cementing his status as a defensive playmaker.
Elliott Lindsey of Greenback posted a monster season with 1,242 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, while also tallying 103 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a sack, illustrating his all‑field presence.
Parker Newman of Sevier County earned a spot on the PrepXtra second team as a linebacker, recording 117 tackles, eight tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, four interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, three sacks and two fumble recoveries, and he has pledged to Duke University as a tight end.
Davonte Scruggs from Carter finished the 2025 campaign with 476 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 43 catches, while also contributing 47 tackles, two tackles for loss and two interceptions on defense.
Sam Sexton led Campbell County with 10 pass breakups and two interceptions, adding 30 total tackles and generating 515 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver with 38 catches.
Tnaj Taylor of Central emerged as the fourth leading receiver and tackler for his team in 2025, and is slated for an expanded role this season, projecting 18 catches for 306 yards and three touchdowns alongside 40 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and two pass breakups.
Finally, Kaden Webber of Grace Christian made the PrepXtra third team as a defensive back, posting 70 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, a quarterback pressure, a sack, an interception and 28 receptions for 490 yards and six touchdowns.