How they were chosen: In compiling this year's All-Midstate teams, The Tennessean staff selected players based on individual performance and statistics, their value to the team, personal observation throughout the season, team performance and input from numerous Midstate coaches. How players fared in big games and against good competition, specifically in the playoffs, also factored in. All classifications and divisions were combined in the making of these teams.

All-Midstate Offensive Team

Michael Fisher, MBA
Year, position: Sr., QB
Ht., Wt.: 6-2, 190
Why chosen: A Division II-AAA Mr. Football winner, Fisher led the Big Red to consecutive state titles and was the Clinic Bowl offensive MVP, completing 22-of-26 passes. The Georgia Tech baseball signee was 147-of-234 passing for 2,302 yards and 16 TDs this year.
The best thing about football is: The tradition.
People don't know that I: Am a big Chicago Cubs fan.
The best player I faced this year was: Greg Hinds, Southaven.

LaMarcus Coker, Antioch
Year, position: Jr., TB
Ht., Wt.: 5-11, 185
Why chosen: This Region 5 offensive MVP and 5A Mr. Football finalist grabbed the attention of college recruiters with his explosiveness and agility. Coker gained more than 1,300 yards and scored 14 TDs while leading the Bears to a 9-2 record and region title.
The best thing about football is: It's a contact sport.
People don't know that I: Like watching the Disney Channel.
The best player I faced this year was: Walter Fisher, Hillsboro.

Roger Herndon, Greenbrier
Year, position: Jr., TB
Ht., Wt.: 5-11, 175
Why chosen: A 3A Mr. Football finalist, Herndon led the Bobcats to their first semifinal appearance. He racked up nearly 2,300 rushing yards and 28 TDs in 14 games, averaging better than 8 yards per carry.
The best thing about football is: Hitting people, and the team aspect of the game.
People don't know that I: Maintain the Web site hometown.aol.com/bobcats1630/bobcats1.html.
The best player I faced this year was: Mario Davis, Marshall County.

Chris Wooden, DCA
Year, position: Jr., TB
Ht., Wt.: 5-11, 205
Why chosen: A healthy Wooden amassed more than 1,200 rushing yards and 16 TDs while averaging about 8 yards per carry during the regular season. After injuring his knee, he still guided the Wildcats to the Class 1A title game.
The best thing about football is: The camaraderie and the relationships formed.
People don't know that I: Collect Star Wars figures and I love Christmas decorations.
The best player I faced this year was: Collin Bodiford, Fayette Academy.

Jeremy Gettis, Ezell-Harding
Year, position: Sr., WR
Ht., Wt.: 6-2, 195
Why chosen: The most prolific receiver in the Midstate this season reeled in 79 passes for 1,517 yards and 16 TDs. Gettis also scored four TDs on the ground and led the Eagles to the Class 1A quarterfinals and a near-upset of DCA.
The best thing about football is: Giving it your all when you're on the field.
People don't know that I: Am a shy person.
The best player I faced this year was: Patrick Turner, Goodpasture.

Patrick Turner, Goodpasture
Year, position: Jr., WR
Ht., Wt.: 6-4, 208.
Why chosen: Turner caught 56 passes for 955 yards and 12 TDs ''because of his size and ability. He was still able to get free, even with two and three defenders on him,'' Cougars Coach David Martin said. LSU, Tennessee and Vanderbilt have offered Turner scholarships.
The best thing about football is: Friday nights.
People don't know that I: Have a pet Amazon parrot.
The best player I faced this year: Greg Smith and Demonte Bolden, Tyner.

Tom Santi, MBA
Year, position: Sr., TE
Ht., Wt.: 6-5, 225
Why chosen: Santi will play at Virginia after catching 24 passes for 325 yards and three TDs as a tight end in the Big Red's offense. A Mr. Football finalist, he also served as a strong run blocker during MBA's march to a second straight Division II-AAA title.
The best thing about football is: The girls.
People don't know that I: Love the Lizzie McGuire Show.
The best player I faced this year was: Brian Brohm, Louisville Trinity.

Jonathan Hathaway, Pearl-Cohn
Year, position: Sr., OG
Ht., Wt.: 6-1, 335
Why chosen: The Metro 2003 Hume Award winner was the most dominant lineman in Nashville, paving the way for a good offense that handed Hillsboro its only loss of the year. He also played defensive tackle.
The best thing about football is: Hearing Coach (Maurice) Fitzgerald speak to you before a game.
People don't know that I: Like cowboy movies and fishing.
The best player I faced this year was: Walter Fisher, Hillsboro.

Chris Smith, Oakland
Year, position: Sr., OT
Ht., Wt.: 6-2, 325
Why chosen: The soft-spoken Smith just missed out on becoming a Mr. Football finalist. He was the anchor of an undermanned but hard-working line that enabled tailback Carlos Crawford to become one of the more dangerous backs in the Midstate.
The best thing about football is: It's the only time legally you get to hit anybody.
People don't know that I: Like to fish — bass, catfish, trout, anything.
The best player I faced this year was: Lamar Divens, Lincoln County.

Chris McConnell, Smith County
Year, position: Sr., OT
Ht., Wt.: 6-6, 290
Why chosen: Wherever McConnell lined up is usually where tailback Michael Wilmore ran. He helped Wilmore rush for more than 2,000 yards and almost never came off the field. He also punted and played defensive tackle.
The best thing about football is: Being able to hit someone without getting in trouble.
People don't know that I: Am like a big teddy bear.
The best player I faced this year was: Chris England, Portland.

Marcus Rayford, Pearl-Cohn
Year, position: Sr., OG
Ht., Wt.: 6-6, 340
Why chosen: Early in the season, Rayford tore his ACL. But instead of undergoing surgery, Rayford put on a knee brace and served as one of the best blockers in the Midstate. He also played defensive tackle despite his lack of mobility.
The best thing about football is: The competition.
People don't know that I: Can sing R&B and gospel music.
The best player I faced this year was: Princeton Baker, Whites Creek.

Kittrell Smith, Macon County
Year, position: Sr., PK
Ht., Wt.: 5-9, 145
Why chosen: Smith's postseason was like something out of a fairy tale. In consecutive weeks, he eliminated Grundy County 17-15 and Smith County 10-9 on field goals in the final seconds, including a 50-yarder to shock the Owls in the state quarterfinals.
The best thing about football is: Playing defense and being out there with my boys.
People don't know that I: Am from Guilford, Conn., right on the coast.
The best player I faced this year was: Justin Long, Fulton.

Michael Edmiston, Lincoln County
Year, position: Sr., QB/P/PK
Ht., Wt.: 6-2, 206
Why chosen: This 5A Mr. Football winner gained nearly 2,600 yards of total offense, with more than half of that coming on the ground. He accounted for 31 TDs and led the Falcons to 12 wins before losing to Riverdale in the 5A quarterfinals.
The best thing about football is: Being able to play against other competitors.
People don't know that I: Love to go bass fishing.
The best player I faced this year was: David Wolke, Smyrna.


All-Midstate Defensive Team

Walter Fisher Jr., Hillsboro
Year, position: Sr., LB
Ht., Wt.: 6-4, 248
Why chosen: This 4A Mr. Football winner was the most versatile defender on a Hillsboro team that captured its first state title. Fisher's quickness and great instincts helped him tally 143 tackles in 15 games to accompany his two TDs and two fumble recoveries. He also played tight end.
The best thing about football is: Playing the game and not thinking of it as a job.
People don't know that I: Am really a good basketball player, too.
The best player I faced this year was: Jonathan Hathaway, Pearl-Cohn.

Lamar Divens, Lincoln County
Year, position: Sr., DT
Ht., Wt.: 6-4, 280
Why chosen: Divens was 5A Mr. Football, anchoring one of the Midstate's best lines on both sides of the ball (also an offensive tackle) during a 12-1 season. The Div. I-A recruit tallied 60 tackles and five sacks despite constant double-teams. Also the Region 3 defensive MVP.
The best thing about football is: The contact.
People don't know that I: Am an all-district basketball player.
The best player I faced this year was: Chris Smith, Oakland.

DeMarcus Bradley, Springfield
Year, position: Sr., DE
Ht., Wt.: 6-3, 260
Why chosen: The Region 6-4A defensive MVP had 78 tackles, including 12 for loss. A Vanderbilt recruit, Bradley did everything for a defense that started seven freshmen and sophomores. ''He even lined up at quarterback one night,'' Springfield Coach John Offutt said.
The best thing about football is: Getting to play with some of the best players that are your peers.
People don't know that I: Have to brush my hair at least 10 times before I go to bed.
The best player I faced this year was: Burton Elrod, Lipscomb.

Calvin Bryant, Hillsboro
Year, position: Sr., DE
Ht., Wt.: 6-0, 260
Why chosen: Bryant, also a fullback who rushed for 1,560 yards and 28 TDs, made his biggest impact on a defensive line that smothered opposing backs and allowed just 10.6 points per game in the playoffs.
The best thing about football is: The feeling you have after winning a state championship.
People don't know that I: Have crushed both Marcellus Tibbs and Walter Fisher in practice.
The best player I faced this year was: Reno Thompson, Pearl-Cohn.

Ian Van Horne, Brentwood
Year, position: Sr., LB
Ht., Wt.: 6-2, 225
Why chosen: No individual on Brentwood's defense was more responsible for the team's 5A title run a year ago or its 10-2 record this season. The Mr. Football finalist finished with nearly 100 tackles, including 15 for loss, and three interceptions in 13 games. He also played fullback.
The best thing about football is: The intensity of the game.
People don't know that I: Love watching Dragon Ball Z.
The best player I faced this year was: Quinton Primm, Dickson County.

Spike McDaniel, Riverdale
Year, position: Sr., LB
Ht., Wt.: 5-10, 195
Why chosen: The emotional leader of a junior-laden squad, McDaniel helped Riverdale get back to the 5A championship game for a fourth straight year. He finished with 83 tackles, five for loss, and contributed on offense as a fullback with 448 rushing yards and 11 total TDs.
The best thing about football is: Getting physical and not getting in trouble for it.
People don't know that I: Watch gourmet cooking shows.
The best player I faced this year was: Michael Edmiston, Lincoln County.

David Holbert, Brentwood Academy
Year, position: Sr., LB
Ht., Wt.: 6-2, 235
Why chosen: Holbert has Tennessee, Auburn, Florida and LSU waiting on his college decision after racking up 80-plus tackles, including 12 for loss, six sacks and 700 rushing yards this season. He also played fullback and led the Eagles to a fourth straight Clinic Bowl.
The best thing about football is: The look in someone's eye when you're fixing to take him.
People don't know that I: Am a junior deacon at my church and sing in the choir.
The best player I faced this year was: Corey Mills, Christian Brothers.

Ryan Karl, BGA
Year, position: Sr., DB
Ht., Wt.: 6-0, 200
Why chosen: The defensive back and sometimes linebacker made 65 tackles and had four interceptions and is headed to UT. The DII-A/AA Mr. Football winner had 1,750 yards and 21 TDs this season on offense.
The best thing about football is: Just the competition and showing people what you can do.
People don't know that I: Am known for mooching off my friends.
The best player I faced this year was: Patrick Turner, Goodpasture.

Matthew Jacques, MBA
Year, position: Sr., DB
Ht., Wt.: 6-2, 175
Why chosen: Jacques didn't get thrown at much, but he proved himself one of the best cover men in the Midstate each week, beginning with MBA's win over Trinity and prized QB Brian Brohm. Jacques and the Big Red defense allowed just 12.2 points per game. He also played wide receiver.
The best thing about football is: Friday nights.
People don't know that I: Have different colored eyes.
The best player I faced this year was: Brian Brohm, Louisville Trinity.

Marcellus Tibbs, Hillsboro
Year, position: Sr., DB
Ht., Wt.: 6-0, 215
Why chosen: Tibbs was one of the best run-stopping safeties in the state, recording more than 50 tackles during Hillsboro's 14-1 championship season. On offense, the Burros' featured back averaged more than 10 yards per carry en route to 2,449 yards and 28 TDs.
The best thing about football is: Running the ball and knocking people off their feet.
People don't know that I: Am the most underrated back in the state.

Kellen Moore, Brentwood
Year, position: Sr., DB
Ht., Wt.: 6-3, 190
Why chosen: Moore was the top cover corner and an exceptional tackler for the Bruins, who allowed just 93 yards per game through the air and made 19 interceptions. Moore made big plays on both sides of the ball, catching 17 passes for 307 yards and six TDs.
The best thing about football is: The bonds formed with teammates.
People don't know that I: Love the Disney Channel.
The best player I faced this year was: Ryan Nichols, Franklin.

Jaron Eaton, Hendersonville
Year, position: Sr., P
Ht., Wt.: 6-2, 180
Why chosen: Eaton has every coach he played against singing his praises. He was a special teams asset, averaging just under 45 yards per punt, and he routinely pinned the opposition inside its own 10.
The best thing about football is: Bombing a punt 50 yards down the field.
People don't know that I: Sing in the Hendersonville chorus, play drums, bass, guitar and piano.
The best player I faced this year was: LaMarcus Coker, Antioch.