McCallie QB repeats in Division II-AAA
By Stephen Hargis Assistant Sports Editor
NASHVILLE — It was the worst-kept secret in the room, but B.J. Coleman still looked nervous.
Standing beside two other finalists for the Tennessee Division II-AAA Mr. Football Back of the Year award, including Baylor fullback Kevin Cooper, Coleman rocked back and forth before hearing his named called as the winner Monday afternoon at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
"To be honest, I was just happy to be here," said Coleman, the McCallie School senior quarterback who won the award for the second straight year. "To be up there next to Kevin and in a room full of great athletes, it’s something I’ll always remember.
"I couldn’t have done any of this, anything in my career, without everybody back home. My teammates and coaches are awesome."
For the 22nd year, American General sponsored the event, which honors 45 finalists from throughout the state. Besides Coleman and Cooper, two other local players were finalists in their classes. Brainerd’s Cory Hall was one of three finalists for Class 4A Lineman of the Year, and Tennessee Temple receiver Seth Skogen was up for the 1A Back of the Year.
"Being up there is a feeling you really can’t describe," said Hall, the first finalist from Brainerd. "There will always be other players to come along at our school, but I’ll always be the first finalist and that’s pretty special."
Coleman, who has thrown for more than 6,600 yards and 51 touchdowns in his three year varsity career, joins former Red Bank running back Gerald Riggs (2000, ’01) and former Notre Dame receiver Adarius Bowman (2001, ‘02) as the only local players to win a Mr. Football award in consecutive seasons. The Blue Tornado program has had four winners of either a Back or Lineman of the Year award in the last three years.
"He’s the most talented individual I’ve been associated with or even seen play," McCallie coach Ralph Potter said.
Skogen, who holds every state career receiving record, has committed to play for Furman University next season. Marco Dailey of Mount Pleasant was the 1A Back honoree.
"I was a little disappointed not to win," Skogen said, "but I know Marco is a great player and it’s just a great honor to even be nominated."
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