RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesWhile they may not necessarily be household names, there are a lot of potential big impact players for Murfreesboro area TSSAA football teams in 2026.
Which one do you think will have the biggest impact for their team?
You can vote below.
Nominees include:
Zarin Butler, Smyrna, Sr., LB: Butler should be a key contributor to the Bulldog defense in 2026 after recording 37 tackles (9.5 for loss), three sacks and two pass deflections a season ago.
Elijah Carter, MTCS, Sr., Edge: It's his first year playing football, but the 6-foot-7 Carter, who was a standout basketball player for the Cougars last season after transferring from Spring Hill, will provide a lot of athleticism on defense.
RC Davis, Stewarts Creek, Sr., QB: Davis got a taste of starting action last season when teammate Jerry Taylor was injured, and now he's being given the reigns of the Red Hawk offense. At 6-3, 180, Davis has a strong arm and the athleticism to have also played defensive back in the past.
Trent Gibbs, Oakland, So., LB: To crack the Oakland starting lineup as a freshman, particularly as an offensive lineman, says a lot about the impact Gibbs had last season. The athletic 6-1, 215-pounder has moved to linebacker and has looked good in the preseason.
Arden Lewis, Rockvale, So., QB: receiver and waiting for his chance at QB, which now comes in his sophomore season. The 6-0, 175-pounder, who is also a standout on the Rockets' basketball team, will be a dual threat behind center for a team on the rise.
Julius Malden, Riverdale, Sr., Edge: It could be easy to overlook Malden on a Riverdale team that is loaded with SEC commitments. But the 6-3, 225-pound 3-star prospect was of the team's top tacklers and led the Warriors in sacks, and he has plenty of offers as well, including Charlotte and Eastern Kentucky.
Cayden Maloney, Eagleville, Sr., RB/LB: After playing mostly wide receiver in his career, Maloney will step into big shoes to fill as the Eagles' projected starter at running back, replacing Jonathan Jordan (who gained more than 1,500 yards last season). He is also expected to make an impact on defense.
Brycen Mitchell, Blackman, Jr., WR: With Auburn commitment Brylan Oduor gone and the Blaze bringing in a gunslinger at QB in Chase Bell, Mitchell should be in store for a huge season as a pass catcher in Coach Will Hester's offense. He was second on the team with 29 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Keith Morrell, Siegel, Sr., WR/CB: One of the fastest players on the team, the 5-11, 175-pound Morrell should make an impact on both sides of the ball for the Stars, especially on defense, where he was among team leaders in interceptions.
Will Russell, Cannon County, So., WR/DB: Russell is expected to step up for a Lions team that reached the TSSAA playoffs last season.
Davis Warren, PCA, Sr., LB/TE: The 6-0, 200-pound Warren was an all-region selection at linebacker last season, recording 67 tackles, three sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Kindrae Walker, La Vergne, Sr., WR/DB: The 5-10, 175-pound athlete sat out his sophomore and junior seasons but has impressed the Wolverine coaching staff since returning, including a 17-tackle performance from the safety position in the team's scrimmage vs. DCA last week.
The poll will close at noon on Aug. 14.
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https://surveys.usatodaynetworkservice.com/s/08a939d8-d4fa-4279-9eae-0b84109f87bc/v/c1906881af49fb3ad8ead2e6
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Which Murfreesboro area TSSAA football player will make the biggest impact in 2026?
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