Greeneville’s Quillen Recognized At Mr. Football Awards Ceremony

NASHVILLE – Greeneville senior running back Carson Quillen wrapped up his time with the Greene Devil football program on Tuesday afternoon on the state’s biggest stage.

Quillen was not named Class 4A’s Mr. Football Award winner, but he was recognized as one of the top players in the state in a ceremony held at the Tennessee Titans’ Nissan Stadium.

“It means a lot to me to be here, and I think it says a lot about our program,” Quillen said. “It’s about the program, the work we put in, what we do in the weight room and I’m just glad to be here to represent Greeneville. I obviously wanted to win today, but its a huge honor to be here.”

Quillen was recognized as one three finalist for the Class 4A Mr. Football Award on Tuesday. Tyler Thompson of Marshall County was the winner of the award.

Quillen had a standout year for the Greene Devils this season as he led the team to the state quarter finals. He ran for 1,775 yards while averaging 9.9 yards per carry and scoring 33 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game he had 13 catches for 218 yards with two scores. Quillen averaged 17 yards per punt return and 29 yards per kick return. He had 2,383 all-purpose yards in 13 games this season.

“Playing at Greeneville has been special. I’ve grown up with these guys and playing with them has been great. I’m definitely thankful for my time here,” Quillen said. “So much went into this, from my teammates, to my offensive line, and my coaches to allow me to have a this season.”

In his time at Greeneville Quillen has been a difference maker for the Devils. He was named All-State as both a sophomore and junior. Quillen finished his career as the Greene Devils’ single-season scoring leader with 210 points, and as the single-season rushing touchdown leader, breaking a record held by Dustin Moore since 1993. He also passed Moore for fourth place on the Devils’ career rushing list.

“What an unbelievable kid. He’s one of the highest character kids I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” Greeneville coach Eddie Spradlen said. “It didn’t go his way today, but you can’t tell me he’s not the best football player in Class 4A. He shows up and he works to be the best every day. That’s what you get from him every day in the weight room and on the practice field. At the end of the day he is a team guy first, and he will do whatever it takes for the team to win.”

Thompson and Anderson County’s Waylon LaRue were the other finalists for the Class 4A Mr. Football Award. Thompson finished his junior season with 2,824 passing yards with 45 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 68 percent of his passes. He also ran for 209 yards and 11 more scores.

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 2024 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 2024 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.