CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – We won’t have to wait much longer for the first kickoff in Montgomery County. Friday, Aug. 21 will mark the first chance to see the area’s top talent in regular-season action. From Central to Fort Campbell and everywhere in between, Montgomery County is loaded with offensive talent.
While narrowing down the best of the best wasn’t easy, these players are poised for massive seasons and should play key roles for their respective teams.
Quarterback: Miles Reding, Kirkwood
Reding has turned Kirkwood into one of Montgomery County’s top programs during his two years with the Cobras. He was a Tennessee Mr. Football semifinalist as a sophomore and followed it up with another impressive campaign last fall. Reding finished the season with 34 total touchdowns and more than 2,200 passing yards, earning him Clarksville Now Player of the Year honors.
Quarterback: Dawson Deer, Rossview
Deer has taken a massive jump this offseason and looks to be one of the area’s top quarterbacks heading into his senior year. He helped lead the Hawks to four wins last season and has the potential to surpass that mark in 2026. Deer is a threat both through the air and on the ground, so expect plenty of quarterback runs to be a part of Rossview’s offense.
Running Back: Ahvare Galbreath, Clarksville High
Galbreath has the potential to go down as one of Clarksville’s best running backs in recent history with a big senior season. Last year, he rushed for 691 yards and found the end zone 11 times. With the Wildcats’ offense once again expected to be tailored around their backs, Galbreath is in line for a massive year.
Running Back: CJ Stuckey, Rossview
Stuckey was one of the area’s most versatile players last fall, combining for 923 all-purpose yards. Rossview has more options on offense this year, so his overall volume could decrease, but that doesn’t mean his production will. Stuckey remains a key piece of the Hawks’ offense and should continue to be one of the area’s toughest players to defend.
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Wide Receiver: Jadon Portis, Kirkwood
Portis led an explosive Kirkwood passing attack with 504 receiving yards and four touchdowns last season. He’s one of the fastest players in the area and has the ability to beat the secondary deep. In addition to being a threat at receiver, Portis is one of Montgomery County’s best return men and can score anytime he touches the ball.
Wide Receiver: Terry Jones, Northeast
Jones is part of a much larger nucleus of receiver talent at Northeast, but he might just be the most well-rounded of the group. He’s a physical threat who can win jump balls while also having the speed to beat corners deep. With a potential increased focus on the passing game this fall, the Eagles shouldn’t have any trouble finding ways to get Jones the ball.
Wide Receiver: Khyain Payne, Rossview
Payne struggled to stay on the field because of injuries last season, but he enters 2026 as one of the area’s must-watch playmakers. Despite his limited opportunities, Payne still led the Hawks in touchdowns last year. He’ll primarily line up in the slot and should be a dynamic weapon in Rossview’s offense.
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Tight End: Parker Keenan, Kirkwood
Keenan, an Arkansas commit, will be one of the most explosive offensive threats in the area this season. Last fall, he caught 24 passes for 408 yards and four touchdowns. In addition to his ability as a pass catcher, Keenan is an excellent blocker who gives Kirkwood another weapon in the run game.
Tight End: Tyler Couey, Northwest
Couey was a victim of an inconsistent Northwest passing game last season, but the Vikings believe those struggles will be behind them this fall with Trevere Lawless named the starting quarterback. If that connection develops as expected, Couey has the potential for a breakout senior season and could become one of the area’s top tight ends.
Offensive Line: Kaleb Wilcox, West Creek
Wilcox is one of the toughest linemen in the area for opposing defenders to face. He’s physical, plays with an edge and has the strength to move people around. Last season, the Coyotes’ offensive line struggled at times, but Wilcox was a bright spot. West Creek still has chemistry to build up front, but Wilcox gives the Coyotes a reliable anchor on the offensive line.
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Offensive Line: Hunter Mitchell, Montgomery Central
Mitchell has the important task of protecting young quarterback Colston Otte this season. In 2025, Mitchell was an All-Region 5-4A selection and will continue to be an important piece for the Indians this fall. He’s also a standout defender and high-energy player who brings plenty of versatility to Montgomery Central.
Offensive Line: De’nerio Harding, Clarksville High
Harding is the Wildcats’ lone returning offensive lineman in 2026. The good news for Clarksville is that he’s one of the best linemen in the area. Harding recorded 42 pancake blocks last season and will once again be crucial to the Wildcats’ rushing success at center.
Offensive Line: Sam Suapilimai, Fort Campbell
Suapilimai is one of the few Falcons who will be playing his natural position this season. He was a standout lineman for Fort Campbell last year and helped pave the way for the Falcons’ successful running game. His biggest task this season will be protecting quarterback Isaiah Messer Cruz, who transitions to the position after playing linebacker last year.
Offensive Line: Torriq Brooks, Kirkwood
Brooks has great size and was a key member of the Cobras’ offensive line in 2025. He’ll take on an even bigger role this season with Kamari Blair moving on to play for the Tennessee Volunteers. Offensive line success takes all five players working together, but Brooks can help ease the transition for Kirkwood up front.
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