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The Alabama Sports Writers Association announced on Christmas that Chambers Academy’s Luke Tarver is in the running for Mr. Football Alabama and an AISA finalist for Back of the Year. 48 of the best ball players, six per class, from around the state are up for the prestigious Mr. Football award.

There has only been one Mr. Football from Chambers County, Kristian Story of Lanett in 2020. Story was the first player from a 1A school to get the award in more than 25 years. While Tarver is also an underdog for the award, due to playing in the smaller AISA, the running back and linebacker has had a spectacular year which will be hard for the judges to ignore.

Tarver is the favorite for the AISA Back of the Year award. As an integral part of the 2023 and 2024 championship teams, he has been one of the best players, if not the best, in the AISA for some time.

Just last week, Tarver was named to the All-State first team as an athlete, in recognition of his impact on offense and defense.

He has shone on both sides of the ball but has been dominant as the Rebel’s running back. Tarver rushed for 1,755 yards over 127 carries as the go-to guy. The stocky runner averaged 13.55 yards a carry, almost ensuring a first down for his team. He tallied 24 touchdowns and eleven two-point conversions during Chamber’s state championship 2024 season. He also caught for 113 yards and two touchdowns.

As a linebacker, he led the team in solo tackles with 65. He also had four PBUs, one sack, an interception and a fumble recovery on the season. Tarver captained the team to another championship this season, solidifying his legacy as one of the best to wear the blue and white.

Tarver was a finalist for the award last year, losing out to Clayton Hussey of Lowndes Academy. This year he is up against Julian Curry of Wilcox Academy and Gerrell Perry of Banks Academy.

Winners, Super All-State and Mr. Football will be revealed Jan. 28 at a luncheon banquet at the Montgomery Renaissance.