Vote: Who has been the best freshman football player in Tennessee so far in 2023?
We are just past the mid-point part of the 2023 high school football season here in Tennessee and there’s no shortage of underclassmen performing at a high level. It’s no surprise that freshmen are showing out in the Volunteer State as that’s been the case in the past many times over. This list of underclassmen features some of the top freshmen football players we’ve seen or have been on the rise in Tennessee. Take a look at our list and vote for who you feel has been the top performing freshman high school football player in Tennessee.
Voting closes on October 31st, 11:59pm
Here are the nominations.
Cooper Newman, QB, Sevier County: The signal caller has completed 97-of-165 passes for 1,444 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
Jaxson Perry, TE/DE, Sevier County: Playing both ways for the Smoky Bears as Perry has notched 49 tackles and five sacks this season.
Xavier Murray, QB, White House Heritage: Murray has been one of the most efficient freshmen passers this season, throwing for 1,136 yards, 15 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
Zachery Cartwright, RB, Mount Julient Christian Academy: The running back has carried the rock 142 times for 780 yards and scored seven touchdowns through seven games.
Connor Jones, WR, Lakeland Preparatory: The Lions feature a freshman duo at wideouts and Jones is one of the two. Jones has caught 39 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns.
Ryan Pitts, WR, Lakeland Preparatory: Pitts is the other freshman wide receiver that’s had a big season as he’s tallied 24 catches for 355 yards and five touchdowns.
Jackson Coffey, LB, Grace Christian Academy: Coffey has come onto the scene as a freshman and been one of the state’s top tacklers, notching 98 tackles, 7.5 for loss and two sacks.
Owen Fleenor, LB, Volunteer: The linebacker is averaging just under 11 tackles a game for Volunteer. Fleenor overall has 72 tackles and eight have gone for a loss.
Kason Hicks, DE, Sequatchie County: The Indians’ defensive end has put together a strong first season, tallying over 60 tackles, 15 for a loss and four sacks.
Gowan Brown, DB, Sequatchie County: Brown has had a solid season at cornerback and has intercepted five passes for the Indians.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
