Rebel Tate Surber Signs with UT Martin Football

McKENZIE (December 17) — McKenzie High School senior and three-sport standout Tate Surber will play football for the University of Tennessee at Martin. The reigning Class 1A Mr. Football made his decision official Tuesday with a signing ceremony in the MHS Theater.

Attending were numerous family members, coaches, teammates, classmates, teachers and supporters from the community.

Principal Kelly Spivey welcomed all and recalled watching Tate grow and develop over the years. He said, “He’s a guy that always loved sports and is always there for his teammates, and I get to brag that I’ve got a 4.0 student that valued academics and it gave him a chance to go further. He’s always distinguished himself.”

Spivey spoke about Tate’s character. “He shows that he’s a competitor, but he also shows sportsmanship. He’s always represented McKenzie High School in the best possible way and will continue to do so.”

Tate’s father, Tommy Surber, spoke next, thanking all of the people that make up the support system that allowed his son to reach his full potential, including teammates, coaches, educators and the entire McKenzie community. He thanked his son for his hard work and expressed how proud he is of what he’s accomplished.

Tate spoke to The Banner about his decision between football, basketball and baseball. “It worked itself out. [Football] is where the most opportunities came. When the offers came in, I thought it was time to focus on football when it came to playing college ball.”

He explained his choice of school as well. “There’s a lot of things that are really beneficial about UTM. Coach [Jason] Simpson is a great coach. He knows how to develop quarterbacks. He’s had a ton of success there. With it being so close, I’ve been able to get up there and really develop a relationship with all of those guys. It’s really convenient. Everything just kind of pointed to Martin. It made it a pretty easy choice.”

Tate told The Banner about his experience as a Rebel. “It’s meant the world to me. That’s been my identity for as long as I can remember. I’ve been in sports, around sports. This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Being able to grow up and represent this town and have some of the accomplishments I have. To know that my Mr. Football trophy will sit in the lobby for, I guess, the rest of eternity, it’s awesome.”

Surber is keeping his career options open for now.

The UT Martin Skyhawks compete in the NCAA Division I Ohio Valley Conference.