Higgins one of two Mr. Football finalists for Class 5A Back of the Year

 

Oak Ridge junior Tee Higgins is one of two finalists for Back of the Year in Class 5A in the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards.

Higgins, who has committed to the University of Tennessee, is a wide receiver who has also played at defensive back and punt returner this year. Higgins also plays basketball for Oak Ridge High School.

The other finalist in Division I Class 5A is Nate Johnson of Independence High School.

The Mr. Football Awards will be presented to the top 16 backs and linemen in eight classifications of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association on Monday, November 30, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The top kicker in the state will be recognized with a Mr. Football Award, regardless of classification.

Four semifinalists for each category and each classification were announced on November 5. There are six classifications in Division I and two in Division II.

The two finalists for each award will be invited to attend the awards luncheon at Nissan Stadium, where the winner of each award will be announced.

A committee of statewide sports writers selected winners based on performance in the 2015 regular season, a press release said. Academics and character were also taken into consideration. High school head coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists.

“We are very appreciative of the Tennessee Titans for their continued support of these awards,” said Bernard Childress, TSSAA executive director. “Having the awards presented at Nissan Stadium will provide a very special atmosphere for these outstanding student-athletes.”

This is the 31st year that the Mr. Football Awards have been presented to Tennessee’s best high school football players. A Mr. Football trophy will be presented to the winners of each category.  A Mr. Football plaque will be presented to the runner-up in each category. The other semi-finalists will each receive a certificate.

More than 400 people, including the 34 finalists, their families, coaches, school administrators, and members of the media from all parts of the state, are expected to attend the 2015 luncheon.

Mike Keith, play-by-play voice of the Tennessee Titans, will emcee the awards presentation. A live videostream of the awards will be provided at www.titansonline.com.

Nominated for Class 5A Lineman of the Year is Tyrel Dodson of Centennial High School.

See the complete list of Mr. Football finalists here.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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