The TSSAA announced its semifinalist for the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards on Thursday, and Greeneville senior Taren Claridy has been recognized as one of the best players in Class 4A.
Claridy has rewritten both the Greeneville High School and state record books this season. Through 10 games he has caught 68 passes for 1,656 yard and 29 touchdowns. He is now Greenville’s single season leader for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He also claimed the state record for touchdown catches in a season.
His six touchdown receptions in the first half against Grainger on October 23 tied a state record and set a new Greeneville High School record.
The dynamic senior is also averaging 30.2 yards per kick return and 18.8 yards per punt return with a kickoff return for a touchdown. He also has thrown a touchdown pass.
On defense the ETSU commitment has 36 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and three interceptions.
The Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards will be presented to the top football players in nine classifications of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The top kicker in the state will be recognized with a Mr. Football Award, regardless of classification.
The three finalists for each award and Kicker of the Year will be unveiled by Taylor Zarzour on Titans Football with Robert Saleh presented by SeatGeek, airing on Tuesday, November 24 on WKRN News 2 at 6:30 pm CT. The announcement will also be streamed on www.tennesseetitans.com, the Official Titans Mobile App and @Titans on X, Facebook and YouTube at 8pm ET/7pm CT.
A committee of statewide sports writers selected winners based on performance in the 2026 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration. High school head coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists.
This is the 42nd year that the Mr. Football Awards have been presented to Tennessee’s best high school football players.
DIVISION I, CLASS 1A
Cole Brown, McKenzie
DaYon Cooper, South Pittsburg
Knox Israel, South Pittsburg
Jackson Smith, Cornersville
Darion Taylor, Humboldt
DIVISION I, CLASS 2A
Dallas Covington, East Nashville
JC Gray, Adamsville
Zaiden Humphrey, Marion County
Jamarkus Pittman, MASE
Kenton Smith, Huntingdon
DIVISION I, CLASS 3A
Asa Barnes, Westview
Kaiden Brewster, Meigs County
Antonio Dion Edwards, Tyner
Quincy Mitchell, Forrest
Graham Simpson, Westview
DIVISION I, CLASS 4A
Jaden Butler, Haywood
Taren Claridy, Greeneville
Jermaine Cobbins, Springfield
Brett Godwin, Lakeland Prep
Micah Jones, Alcoa
DIVISION I, CLASS 5A
Cameron Kruse, Page
Kaden Long, Knoxville Central
Cooper Newman, Sevier County
Parker Newman, Sevier County
Tay Starks, Munford
DIVISION I, CLASS 6A
Andre Adams, Antioch
Gavin Hampton, Riverdale
Will Jones, Maryville
Kason McGowan, Cleveland
Brylan Oduor, Riverdale
DIVISION II, CLASS A
Alie Bangura, MTCS
Cayden Creech, USJ
Kristian Jones, Ezell-Harding
Dasani Moulden, Concord Christian
Kelsey Rose Jr., Jackson Christian
DIVISION II, CLASS AA
Bo Bryan, BGA
Kwadir Fletcher, FRA
Antonio Huntsman, Jr., Lausanne
Maddox Porter, BGA
Terrion Thomas, Knoxville Grace
DIVISION II, CLASS AAA
Nate Brick, Christian Brothers
Keegan Croucher, Baylor
Octavius Flynn, Briarcrest
David Gabriel Georges, Baylor
Larry Sanders II, Brentwood Academy
KICKER OF THE YEAR
William Bowers, Elizabethton
Ben Brewer, Fayette Academy
Owen Davies, Brentwood Academy
Julian Hudson Melandy, Maryville
Henri Perry, MBA
