I don't know that offers from colleges has anything to do with it. What was that young man a few years a go who won it - Atwell ? As I recall he didn't have many offers. I think it should be based on how the player performs at the high school level (also refer to the boy won Mr. Basketball a few years ago from South Laurel (I think)---he didn't have many offers, if any, from big-time colleges.)

The reason Matt Elam is fighting an uphill battle is that voters and the common fan are not sophisticated enough to recognize outstanding line play.....and I count myself among that number.

 

I definitely see your point, but the only reason I've even heard of Elam is because of the offers he's gotten from colleges. When Nick Saban gives you an offer before your Senior year, that gets my attention. Lamar Dawson & Micah Johnson are two guys whose offers were really what solidified their campaigns in my mind.

 

But I'll definitely agree with you that there are many dominant defensive players (especially interior players) like Brandon Deaderick who'll go on to do great things in college, but won't get the same amount of attention as a skill position player when it comes to voting for Mr. Football because they don't have quantifiable statistics that pop out to the casual followers (myself included).

I think our very own Matt Elam has a great shot at winning Mr. Football. He is currently ranked as a 5 Star and 10th overall player in the nation by 247 sports. He currently holds offers from Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Louisville, Kentucky, Western Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky, Indiana, Purdue. His stock recently blew up after dominating the big boys at Alabama's Ellite Prospect Camp. Saban called him the best defensive lineman prospect in the nation.

 

 

Barker and Matt have both been invited to play in the US Army All American game. I believe it definitely comes down to these two athletes. However, Im pulling for another defensive guy to win! It's time for the big guys to get some love! :ylsuper:

 

I also would like to see a DL win the award and being ranked 10th in the nation is a hugh accomplishment. However, If John can't get over the hump and make a final or even win the state title not sure he will win. Dawson played on multi state championship teams. Like mentioned before I think Barker loses alot from last years team so putting up those same stats will be very hard. If the QB at Trinty can put up numbers and they have the success they had last year with the teams they play I believe he will get it.

Under the "longshot" heading, I would include HHS QB Drew Houliston. I anticipate he will put up some impressive yards and TD stats with the cast of surrounding players (OL, WRs, RBs, defense to get him the ball back, etc.).

 

Of course, if Dale decides to run the ball, Zach Harris could probably put up some similarly impressive stats.

 

For that reason alone, neither likely has much of a chance of wining the award. Add to it the previously mentioned reality that it is more of a "body of work" award than solely a senior campaign award and both Houliston and Harris suffer from waiting their turn at a juggernaut instead of putting up gawdy #s for 3 seasons at a less successful program. Additionally, there may be a few games this season where neither of them play a snap in the second half.

Under the "longshot" heading, I would include HHS QB Drew Houliston. I anticipate he will put up some impressive yards and TD stats with the cast of surrounding players (OL, WRs, RBs, defense to get him the ball back, etc.).

 

Of course, if Dale decides to run the ball, Zach Harris could probably put up some similarly impressive stats.

 

For that reason alone, neither likely has much of a chance of wining the award. Add to it the previously mentioned reality that it is more of a "body of work" award than solely a senior campaign award and both Houliston and Harris suffer from waiting their turn at a juggernaut instead of putting up gawdy #s for 3 seasons at a less successful program. Additionally, there may be a few games this season where neither of them play a snap in the second half.

 

Walker done it at X; in no way shape or form a less successful program. As the aforementioned Deuce.

I definitely see your point, but the only reason I've even heard of Elam is because of the offers he's gotten from colleges. When Nick Saban gives you an offer before your Senior year, that gets my attention. Lamar Dawson & Micah Johnson are two guys whose offers were really what solidified their campaigns in my mind.

 

But I'll definitely agree with you that there are many dominant defensive players (especially interior players) like Brandon Deaderick who'll go on to do great things in college, but won't get the same amount of attention as a skill position player when it comes to voting for Mr. Football because they don't have quantifiable statistics that pop out to the casual followers (myself included).

 

 

Lamar Dawson also benefitted from a year where there wasn't much competition from the glamour spots and he also figured prominently on the offensive side of the ball for Boyle County. Add in Lamar's 33 tackle game against East Jessamine and you have all of the makings for a defensive oriented guy to win Mr. Football.

Barker's to lose.

Agreed.