UCR Top 10 – Football Players In The Upper Cumberland

UCR’s Noah McKay and Rusty Ellis each created their own top-10 list of high school football players for the five schools covered by UCR, Cookeville, Livingston, Monterey, Upperman and White County. Points were allotted for each ranking, with the player receiving the most votes being ranked highest. 1st place – 10 points, 2nd place – 9 points, 3rd place – 8 points, etc.

1. Malaki Dowell – RB/DB – White County (20)

This list was extremely difficult to make, but the top pick was easy. Dowell topped both of our lists. He is the premier player in the Upper Cumberland, and has been the premier player in the state through half the regular season. With over 1,000 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns in just four games played, he should be the odds-on Mr. Football favorite in 5A. Teams are selling out to stop him, and they have been unable to do it. #1 is Sparta’s #6.

2. Cade Apple – ILB – Cookeville (18)

Cookeville’s linebacker has taken another step forward in his senior season. Certain players jump off the field when you watch them, and Apple is that player. He is great against the run and as a blitzer, while also being an above-average coverage linebacker. Apple should be a division-1 college football player next year, and is our top-ranked defensive player in the Upper Cumberland. 

Tie 3. Ty Dutchess – QB/DB – Upperman and Mason Bowman – RB/LB – Monterey (14)

This may be a cop-out, but we discussed this for nearly an hour. Both Dutchess and Bowman are high-level players. For me (McKay), Dutchess held a slight edge, for Ellis, Bowman took the third spot. 

Bowman has taken another step in his junior season and has turned into one of the top tailbacks in the state. He is an electric runner who has propelled the Wildcats into the driver’s seat of Region 3/2A. He is also an underrated defender for Scott Hughes’ squad.

Dutchess has also taken a step in his senior season, particularly as a passer. After being known for his rushing ability, he is completing 60% of his passes for over 13.7 yards per attempt. He has been a key cog of an Upperman team that appears poised to make a run.

5. Jyron McClellan – DE – Upperman (13)

If Apple is not your top-ranked defender in the area, McCellan must be. The defensive end has been a one-man wrecking ball throughout the early portion of the season. Teams have to gameplan around him, and he still has found ways to impact the game. He is the unquestioned leader of the Upperman defense, and he will be playing on Saturdays in 2022.

6. Grant Hoover – OL/DL – Monterey (11)

Hoover has emerged as the top two-way lineman in the Upper Cumberland over the past two seasons. Offensively, he has led a line that has created the holes for Bowman to run through and protected Matthew Montgomery. Defensively he is a menace for opposing linemen as he rushes the passer. He is the anchor of the MHS defense which allows fewer than 10 points per game.

7. Jaxson Rollins – RB/DB – Upperman (8)

As the youngest player on the list, Rollins appears poised to be in the top five quickly. He is, perhaps, the second fastest player on the list, but also possesses deceptive power. He has provided a boost to the Upperman rushing game, and has done a nice job in the UHS secondary. He is one of the fastest-rising stars in the state.

8. Daniel Metzgar – WR/DB – Upperman (3)

While Rollins is a rising star, Metzgar is an established one. He has been thrown the ball more in 2021, and has capitalized by making several highlight-reel catches. With a huge catch radius and great hands, he presents big challenges for opposing defenses. Defensively, he is a lockdown defensive back. Perhaps one of the most underrated players in the Upper Cumberland. 

9. Jaden Lawerence – WR/DB – Livingston (3)

Lawrence has been a huge bright spot for the Wildcats in 2021. He has become the favorite target of sophomore QB Brodey Coffee, and he has rewarded his quarterback by making great catches all season. With a large frame and strong route-running ability, he has quickly become the top threat for the LA offense. He has the look of a big-time high school football player.

10. Carter Charlton – DE/WR – Monterey (3)

Charlton has been one of the standouts for Monterey’s elite defense. As a defensive end/standup outside linebacker, he has created havoc for opposing quarterbacks and running games. As a key cog of one of the state’s top defenses, he belongs on this top-10 list.

Others receiving votes: 

Terrance Dedmon – Upperman

Javyn Strode – White County

Clayton Harris – Upperman