The CheckerBoard

Don't forget about Redshirt Junior Joseph Ayres who is also from Knoxville. Ayres earned a scholarship before his sophomore year as a defensive lineman and again this year, but now is playing on offense side of the ball as a tight end

He's from Knoxville, though, and his family still lives here. Went to Webb before transferring to McCallie as a boarding student.

With that said, he played most of his HS career in Chattanooga, so I didn't specifically mention him in the story.

He's a good ol' Knoxville boy, though. That's for sure.

I believe East TN area players will gain more respect as people see how they produce in D1. I've always felt that these guys are underrated due to the perception of the recruiting services. This is an area where a coach who is a good evaluator of talent can pick up players that fly under the national recruiting service radar. And who doesn't like seeing a local guy do well!

Who is the best player we have ever had from the local area?

Could end up being 1 of the 2 potential standouts on the team this year.