Bobcat Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Central High School

Sports run deep in Knoxville, and Central High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Bobcat uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Central High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

Reggie Cobb – Record-Breaking Vol And NFL Scout

A Knoxville football legend, Reggie Cobb starred at Central High School before making a name for himself at the University of Tennessee. As a freshman in 1987, he led the SEC with 20 touchdowns and racked up 1,721 all-purpose yards — a school record that stood for 25 years. Cobb finished his college career with 2,360 rushing yards and was later drafted 30th overall in the 1990 NFL Draft. He played seven seasons in the NFL and transitioned to a respected scouting career, earning NFC Scout of the Year honors in 2011. He was inducted into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame that same year and passed away in 2019 at age 50. (Source: Knox News)

Todd Helton – MLB Hall of Famer And Tennessee Two-Sport Star

Before becoming a Colorado Rockies icon, Todd Helton dominated at Central High as a quarterback and slugger. As a senior, he batted .655 with 12 home runs and was named Gatorade Player of the Year for both football and baseball. He later starred at the University of Tennessee before being selected eighth overall in the 1995 MLB Draft. Over 17 seasons with the Rockies, Helton earned five All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, and a batting title. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024. (Sources: MLB.com, National Football Foundation)

Scott Holtzman – UFC Fan Favorite

Known by fans as “Hot Sauce,” Scott Holtzman grew up in Fountain City and played multiple sports at Central High, including football, baseball and ice hockey. After a brief minor league hockey stint, Holtzman found his true calling in MMA. He compiled a 7-0 record before debuting in the UFC in 2015, where he fought 13 times over seven years. Holtzman became one of Knoxville’s most recognized mixed martial artists before retiring in 2022. (Sources: ESPN, Tapology, Grokipedia)

Tony Cosey – Olympic Steeplechaser and Distance Star

A 2000 Olympian, Tony Cosey ran the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Sydney Games after a decorated collegiate career at the University of Tennessee. The Central High School grad also represented the U.S. at three World Cross Country Championships and set multiple personal bests on the track. After retiring, he returned to Knoxville, where he built a successful financial services business and coached local athletes. (Sources: Olympedia, World Athletics)

Ally Bryant – Versatile Volleyball Standout on the Rise

A promising student at Central High (class of 2027), Ally Bryant has played competitive volleyball for nearly a decade, excelling in nearly every position on the court. She currently competes for the school’s varsity team and the 16u Open/Premier level with Triple F Volleyball Club. With a reputation for adaptability, hustle and high-level play, Bryant is one of Knoxville’s most versatile young volleyball prospects. (Sources: Prep Dig, Sports Recruits)

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