With four months to go before the 2022 high school football season begins, we will release our pre-season MaxPreps Top 25 rankings in June. However, it will not be too early to see what the next season might look like and what may be the zone for the best high school football players in each state heading towards the fall.
Some notable selections include Arch Manning of Newman (New Orleans), the top-rated player on each recruitment site for the 2023 class. He is starting under his center from his new season and needs 1,222 passing yards as a senior to break his uncle Payton. Manning’s School Record for Career Passing Yard (7,528).
Also featured is the top-rated player in the 2024 class, representing Chandler’s Dylan Riola Arizona. He threw for 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns. Burleson (Texas) in his second season.
Four high school football hotbeds – California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas – have been selected – Malachi Nelson of Los Alamitos (California), Kormani McClain of Lake Gibson (Fla.), Caleb Elves of Mill Creek (Ga.) And Caleb Downs. Second Owens of Campo (Texas).
Forty-six of these picks will be seniors next fall and the remaining five growing 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
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 Crusader’s 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., DeMarco 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 rushings, 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 rushings, 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 Spartan’s 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 the 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 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 rushings) 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.
