Best player in each state... | Syracusefan.com

Best player in each state...

BillSU

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This is MaxPreps edition of the best player in each state. There is disparity in the list and it is rather subjective. The best player in NYS is # 20 on sutomcat’s list. Some players in surrounding states like NJ we are recruiting.

Interesting to look through and compare stats of what each QB or DB did. The best player in AZ is from Chandler the same city Jawhar Jordan was recruited from although he went to Hamilton.

High school football: Best player in each state heading into 2022 season


Arch Manning, Malachi Nelson, Zachariah Branch, Rueben Owens II headline gridiron's elite.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022 2:30pm

By Zack Poff | MaxPreps.com


The 2022 high school football season is four months from kicking off and we will be releasing our preseason MaxPreps Top 25 rankings in June. However, it's never too early to look at what next season might look like and zone in on the best high school football player in each state heading into the fall.

Some notable selections include Arch Manning of Newman (New Orleans), the top-rated player on every recruiting site for the Class of 2023. He's been starting under center since his freshman season and needs 1,222 passing yards as a senior to break his uncle Peyton Manning's school record for career passing yards (7,528).

The top-rated player in the Class of 2024 is also featured as Dylan Raiola of Chandler represents Arizona. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns. during his sophomore season at Burleson (Texas).

The selections for the four high school football hotbeds — California, Florida, Georgia and Texas — feature Malachi Nelson of Los Alamitos (Calif.), Cormani McClain of Lake Gibson (Fla.), Caleb Downs of Mill Creek (Ga.) and Rueben Owens II of El Campo (Texas).

Forty-six of these selections will be seniors next fall while the remaining five are rising juniors.

Alabama

DL Peter Woods, Thompson (Alabaster)

Height:
6-3 | Weight: 260

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The five-star defensive lineman finished his junior season with 92 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and a pick-six for the three-time defending 7A state champs.



Alaska

QB/DB Brayden Taylor, Soldotna

Height:
6-1 | Weight: 180

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Selected as the Division II all-state defensive player of the year and was a second-team selection at quarterback.



Arizona

QB Dylan Raiola, Chandler

Height:
6-3 | Weight: 225

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)

There's not a throw the five-star quarterback can not make. He finished his sophomore season at Burleson (Texas) with 3,341 yards and had 32 touchdowns against five interceptions while completing over 65 percent of his passes.



Arkansas

TE Shamar Easter, Ashdown

Height:
6-5 | Weight: 225

Status: Committed to Arkansas | Class: Senior (2023)

The state's top-rated player is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.



California

QB Malachi Nelson, Los Alamitos

Height:
6-3 | Weight: 180

Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2023)

Selected to the MaxPreps Junior All-America team last season after throwing for nearly 2,700 yards and 39 touchdowns for one of the best teams in Southern California.



Colorado

DE Blake Purchase, Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)

Height:
6-3 | Weight: 210

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Helped the Bruins win their third consecutive 5A state title, finishing his junior year with 83 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and two interceptions.



Connecticut

OT Olaus Alinen, Loomis Chaffee School (Windsor)

Height:
6-6 | Weight: 315

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The Finland native has landed over 40 FBS offers and the four-star offensive tackle recently dropped his top four that features Alabama, Georgia, Miami and Ohio State.



Delaware

WR Yamir Knight, Smyrna

Height:
5-9 | Weight: 180

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Finished his junior season with nearly 1,000 yards receiving and had one of his best games against nationally-ranked Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.). The Crusaders secondary was loaded with FBS prospects and Knight had seven receptions for 135 yards.



District of Columbia

DE Nyckoles Harbor, Archbishop Carroll

Height:
6-5 | Weight: 225

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The five-star prospect recently went viral posting a 10.32 100-meter yard dash and finished his junior campaign with 31 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and five touchdowns on offense.



Florida

CB Cormani McClain, Lake Gibson (Lakeland)

Height:
6-1.5 | Weight: 165

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The top-ranked defensive player in the Class of 2023 has recorded 15 interceptions over the last two years and 11 touchdowns on offense.



Georgia

S Caleb Downs, Mill Creek (Hoschton)

Height:
6-0 | Weight: 185

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Has been selected to the MaxPreps Sophomore and Junior All-America first team in back-to-back years and has racked up 186 tackles and 14 interceptions during his career.



Hawaii

LB Liona Lefau, Kahuku

Height:
6-1 | Weight: 210

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Led the Red Raiders to their first state title since 2015 as they finished last year 10-0.



Idaho

WR Kenyon Sadiq, Skyline (Idaho Falls)

Height:
6-3 | Weight: 210

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The state's top-ranked prospect had 78 receptions for 1,162 yards and 19 touchdowns last season.



Illinois

OT Charlie Jagusah, Alleman (Rock Island)

Height:
6-6 | Weight: 310

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The two-way standout is the top-ranked player in the state and checks all the boxes when looking for an elite offensive tackle.



Indiana

ATH Drayk Bowen, Andrean (Merrillville)

Height:
6-2 | Weight: 225

Status: Committed to Notre Dame | Class: Senior (2023)

One of the most versatile players in the country finished last season with 105 tackles, three interceptions, 1,000-plus total yards and 20 touchdowns for the 2A state champs.



Iowa

OT Kadyn Proctor, Southeast Polk (Pleasant Hill)

Height:
6-7 | Weight: 330

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Helped the Rams win their first state title in school history last season and the MaxPreps Junior All-America first team selection is the top-rated offensive lineman in the Class of 2023.



Kansas

RB Dylan Edwards, Derby

Height:
5-9 | Weight: 165

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Rushed for over 2,600 yards and 38 touchdowns in 2021.



Kentucky

DL William Spencer Jr., Male (Louisville)

Height:
6-5 | Weight: 315

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Makes an impact in the trenches on both sides of the ball for one of the Bluegrass State's best programs.



Louisiana

QB Arch Manning, Newman (New Orleans)

Height:
6-4 | Weight: 215

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The top-ranked player in the country has racked up over 6,700 yards of total offense and 101 touchdowns through his first three years.



Maine

WR Nick Laughlin, Cape Elizabeth

Height:
5-10 | Weight: 180

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Made an impact on all three phases for the top-ranked team in Maine. He led the team in receiving yards (836), finished second in rushing (553), first in tackles (80) and had 28 total touchdowns.



Maryland

DE Jason Moore, DeMatha (Hyattsville)

Height:
6-6 | Weight: 255

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The DMV power has produced a lot of big-time players including Chase Young, Anthony McFarland Jr., DeMarcco Hellams, Nick Cross and Brian Westbrook. Moore is next up.



Massachusetts

OT Samson Okunlola, Thayer Academy (Braintree)

Height:
6-6 | Weight: 295

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Has all the tools you want in an offensive tackle and the five-star recruit should make an immediate impact when he gets to the next level.



Michigan

QB Dante Moore, King (Detroit)

Height:
6-2 | Weight: 195

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The five-star quarterback was named the MaxPreps Michigan Player of the Year after throwing for 3,000-plus yards and 40 touchdowns for the Division III state champs.



Minnesota

ATH Jaxon Howard, Robbinsdale Cooper (New Hope)

Height:
6-4 | Weight: 245

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Checks in as a top 100 prospect overall on 247Sports composite rankings and is a big-time playmaker on both sides of the ball.



Mississippi

ATH Suntarine Perkins, Raleigh

Height:
6-3 | Weight: 200

Status: Committed to Mississippi | Class: Senior (2023)

One of the best all-around players in the country makes a huge impact on both sides of the ball. He accounted for 1,664 total yards (1,350 rushing, 314 receiving) and 18 touchdowns to go with 74 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions.



Missouri

WR Ryan Wingo, St. Louis University (St. Louis)

Height:
6-2 | Weight: 200

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)

The five-star wideout is the fifth-rated player overall in the Class of 2024 on 247Sports composite rankings.



Montana

RB Adams Jones, Sentinel (Missoula)

Height:
6-2 | Weight: 180

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Rushed for over 900 yards and 16 touchdowns while hauling in 24 receptions for 245 yards and three scores. Also had three interceptions on defense for the state's top-ranked team.



Nebraska

ATH Malachi Coleman, Lincoln East (Lincoln)

Height:
6-5 | Weight: 180

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Recently received an invitation to play in the All-American Bowl. The four-star prospect has landed offers from Georgia, Iowa, Oregon, Texas Tech and Washington over the last month.



Nevada

WR Zachariah Branch, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)

Height:
5-10 | Weight: 175

Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2023)

As explosive as any wide receiver in the game was named the MaxPreps Nevada Player of the Year in 2021.



New Hampshire

QB Jake Travis, Pelham

Height:
6-2 | Weight: 170

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Was a first team selection on the Division III all-state squad after leading the Pythons to a 10-0 record outscoring the opposition 489-55.



New Jersey

DE/OLB D.J. Samuels, Bergen Catholic (Oradell)

Height:
6-1 | Weight: 235

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Broke Brian Cushing's school record for most sacks last season as a junior and helped the Crusaders to their first undefeated season since 1998. They finished No. 3 in the final MaxPreps Top 25 rankings.



New Mexico

LB Stratton Shufelt, Cleveland (Rio Rancho)

Height:
6-3 | Weight: 220

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)

Selected to the MaxPreps Sophomore All-America second team after racking up 113 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 31 quarterback hurries for the state's best team.



New York

QB Ajani Sheppard, Iona Prep (New Rochelle)

Height:
6-2 | Weight: 230

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Named the MaxPreps New York Player of the Year after becoming the first player in Westchester County history to throw for 2,000-plus yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season. He added 38 total touchdowns and led the Gaels to their first Catholic state championship.



North Carolina

QB Jadyn Davis, Providence Day (Charlotte)

Height:
6-0 | Weight: 185

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)

The former Catawba Ridge (Fort Mill, S.C.) standout transferred back to Providence Day in December and is the No. 2 overall player in 247Sports composite rankings.



North Dakota

RB Trey Heinrich, Kindred

Height:
6-0 | Weight: 175

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Led the Vikings to their first state title and was named the MaxPreps North Dakota Player of the Year. He accounted for 1,707 total yards (1,347 rushing, 360 receiving) and 28 touchdowns to go with 72 tackles and seven interceptions.



Ohio

OT Luke Montgomery, Findlay

Height:
6-5 | Weight: 270

Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2023)

The top-ranked player in Ohio dominates in the trenches on both sides of the ball.



Oklahoma

TE Luke Hasz, Bixby

Height:
6-3 | Weight: 220

Status: Committed to Arkansas | Class: Senior (2023)

Has played a huge role in the Spartans recent success. They've won four consecutive state titles and head into 2022 with the second longest active win streak in high school football at 49.



Oregon

TE Riley Williams, Central Catholic (Portland)

Height:
6-6 | Weight: 230

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Checks in as a top 100 prospect overall on 247Sports composite rankings and had 36 receptions for 889 yards and 14 touchdowns for the top-ranked team in Oregon.



Pennsylvania

CB Omillio Agard, St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia)

Height:
6-0 | Weight: 170

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)

One of the best defensive backs in the country regardless of class finished his sophomore season with 35 tackles, three interceptions, 15 passes defended and a forced fumble.



Rhode Island

QB Dean Varrecchione, La Salle Academy (Providence)

Height:
6-2 | Weight: 185

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Threw for over 2,100 yards and 27 touchdowns for one of the best programs in the state.



South Carolina

RB Jarvis Green, Dutch Fork (Irmo)

Height:
5-11 | Weight: 190

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Finished his junior season with 1,726 yards rushing and 35 touchdowns for the 5A runner-up. Added 33 receptions for 448 yards and four scores.



South Dakota

QB Lincoln Kienholz, Riggs (Pierre)

Height:
6-3 | Weight: 185

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Led the Governors to their fifth consecutive state title throwing for 3,359 yards and 37 touchdowns. He added 1,165 yards rushing and 12 scores.



Tennessee

RB DeSean Bishop, Karns (Knoxville)

Height:
5-11 | Weight: 195

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Was one of the most productive running backs in the country last season, rushing for 3,179 yards and 34 touchdowns. He finished fourth in the nation in rushing yards and rushed for at least 200 yards in 11 of 12 games.



Texas

RB Rueben Owens II, El Campo

Height:
5-11 | Weight: 190

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Named the MaxPreps Junior of the Year after leading the state of Texas in rushing with 2,989 yards. He is the top-rated running back in the Class of 2023 and finished his junior campaign with 48 total touchdowns.



Utah

DE Tausili Akana, Skyridge (Lehi)

Height:
6-4 | Weight: 225

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The third-ranked edge rusher on 247Sports posted 78 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 13 sacks in 2021.



Vermont

WR/DB Jonah Bassett, Rutland

Height:
5-10 | Weight: 165

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

A first-team selection at wide receiver and defensive back on the Division 1 all-state team for one of the state's best teams.



Virginia

OL Alex Birchmeier, Broad Run (Ashburn)

Height:
6-6 | Weight: 275

Status: Committed to Penn State | Class: Senior (2023)

The top-ranked interior offensive lineman in the Class of 2023 is also a standout wrestler.



Washington

DE Jayden Wayne, Lincoln (Tacoma)

Height:
6-5 | Weight: 245

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

The five-star defensive lineman has landed over 40 FBS offers. He's a matchup nightmare at wide receiver/tight end.



West Virginia

QB Gavin Lochow, Huntington

Height:
6-0 | Weight: 195

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Selected on the AAA all-state first team after accounting for 3,377 yards of total offense (2,214 passing, 1,163 rushing) and 44 touchdowns for the AAA runner-up.



Wisconsin

RB Nate White, Milwaukee King (Milwaukee)

Height:
6-0 | Weight: 175

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Has one of the most entertaining highlight tapes of any running back in the country. He checks in as the top-ranked player in Wisconsin and rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior.



Wyoming

RB Colson Coon, Sheridan

Height:
5-10 | Weight: 180

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)

Named the MaxPreps Wyoming Player of the Year after rushing for over 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns for the 4A state champs.
 
A lot to digest there. Couple things:

I really hope we are looking at standout players in lessor/non recruited states. Specifically the WR from Idaho hopefully is at least getting a mailer from Cuse.

New England has SO few top rated prospects with D1 size on either line... And the ones that do seem to have no interest in staying in or around the area.
 
Lots of QBs in that list. Seems to favor the position.

Usually teams best athletes are moved to QB for better or worse. Better for HS team, worse for positional development elsewhere
 
A lot to digest there. Couple things:

I really hope we are looking at standout players in lessor/non recruited states. Specifically the WR from Idaho hopefully is at least getting a mailer from Cuse.

New England has SO few top rated prospects with D1 size on either line... And the ones that do seem to have no interest in staying in or around the area.
If the WR from Idaho is a legit prospect, he will get recruited by the PAC or the western B1G schools. We would do better by recruiting second tier players from hotbed states than chasing the top players from lesser populated ones.

Just because a guy is the best player in his state doesn't mean he's P5 material. live in Vermont. The best players from here are rarely D1 caliber football players.
 
If the WR from Idaho is a legit prospect, he will get recruited by the PAC or the western B1G schools. We would do better by recruiting second tier players from hotbed states than chasing the top players from lesser populated ones.

Just because a guy is the best player in his state doesn't mean he's P5 material. live in Vermont. The best players from here are rarely D1 caliber football players.

Sadiq has 17 offers fwiw.

Point was we should at least be putting feelers out to gauge interest whether or not an offer then is extended. I wish, for Cuse sake, Vermont put out a handful of D1 players each year.
 
I wouldnt rely on max preps to find the best players in each state. Max preps just goes by stats. There is no context involved.
Where lots of schools don’t even bother to post the stats of their players.

Sheppard is a good player and I am happy for him. But in NYS, there are like 15 players in this class that already have P5 scholarship offers. Something Amari is still hoping for.
 
Where lots of schools don’t even bother to post the stats of their players.

Sheppard is a good player and I am happy for him. But in NYS, there are like 15 players in this class that already have P5 scholarship offers. Something Amari is still hoping for.
Exactly
 

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