FCS' Martin settles for Mr. Football finalist

Gordonsville's Coen awarded as top Class A lineman

By ANDY REED

Sports Editor

MURFREESBORO — Tanner Martin began the final week of his high school football career breaking bread and rubbing elbows with 32 other players deemed the best in Tennessee.

The Friendship Christian senior lineman saw Gordonsville's Tyler Coen take home the Class A Mr. Football Lineman trophy. But the day was still a lot of fun for the 6-foot-0, 225-pounder at Embassy Suites Hotel.

"It's really exciting," Martin said. "Just to be nominated is really a great honor. I'm just really thankful to be able to do it. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Martin wasn't necessarily planning on spending this Monday morning in Murfreesboro.

"When Coach [John] McNeal called me, I was in shock," Martin said. "I wasn't expecting it at all."

Martin went head to head with Coen for four seasons and saw the other finalist, Boyd-Buchanan's Malik Brewer, up close and personal just last Friday in Friendship's 27-6 Class 2A state semifinal victory.

"They're both really great players," Martin said. "Tyler Coen's one of the best players I've every played against, and Malik Brewer is, too.

"They'll probably go on to college and do great things."

Martin, an offensive guard and middle linebacker, posted 62 tackles, forced four fumbles and intercepted a pass during the regulars season. He graded out at an OL-leading 91 percent. The four-year starter is a three-time All-Region 4-A selection and was named to the All-State team last season as the Commanders won their first state championship.

Sewanee, Rhodes and Centre have looked at Martin, who said he has a 3.9 grade-point average and a 27 on his ACT.

But before he possibly deals with college football, Martin and the Commanders have an 11 a.m. date with Adamsville in a battle of 12-1 teams in the BlueCross Bowl at Tennessee Tech's Tucker Stadium in Cookeville on Saturday.

"Hopefully, we're going to go Saturday and get another state championship, get another ring," he said.

Sports Editor Andy Reed can be reached at 444-3952, ext. 17; or by email at andy.reed@lebanondemocrat.com