Tennessee’s best high school football players for 2012, including Bradley Central's Austin Sanders, were recognized at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards luncheon hosted by the Tennessee Titans.
Bradley Central senior Austin Sanders, a 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound tackle who is committed to Tennessee, was selected as the Class AAA Mr. Football Lineman of the Year.
"It's exciting," Sanders said in a text. "It was a good experience for me and my family. It was all fun and once-in-a-lifetime event."
Over 500 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state, attended the 2012 luncheon at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center.
“Today’s celebration recognizes more that the ability of these young men to play our great game of football,” said Titans Owner K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr. “The young men were here because of their outstanding character and academic achievements, traits which will pave their way through life, long after their football days has passed. I congratulate all of the Titans Mr. Football Award finalists for the outstanding manner in which they represent their school and community!”
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 2012 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration.
The awards were presented to the top back and lineman in each of the five classifications of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association. For the eighth time in the history of the award, the top kickers in the state were 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.
The honorees include Will McKamey, running back for Grace Christian of Knoxville, who suffered a brain injury in a playoff game at South Pittsburg. He was airlifted to a Chattanooga hospital and is now expected to make a full recovery.
2012 TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS
Division I, Class A Lineman Division I, Class A Back
Tyler Coen, Gordonsville
Will McKamey, Grace Christian
Division I, Class AA Lineman Division I, Class AA Back
Brett Kendrick, CAK
Charlie High, CAK
Division I, Class AAA Lineman Division I, Class AAA Back
Austin Sanders, Bradley Central
Jalen Hurd, Beech
Division II-A Lineman Division II-A Back
Chase Hensley, USJ
Todd Kelly, Knoxville Webb
Division II-AA Lineman Division II-AA Back
Derek Barnett, Brentwood Academy
Cornelius Elder, Ensworth
Kicker of the Year
Jonathan King, Farragut