Columbus senior finished career as state's all-time leading rusher.
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Colton Brunell of
Columbus is the 2023 MaxPreps Wisconsin High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound senior running back/linebacker led the Cardinals to a 10-2 record and the Division 5 quarterfinals.
Brunell earned first team all-state honors at running back and linebacker. He will leave Columbus as Wisconsin's all-time rushing leader with 7,416, surpassing Tyler Tenner's record of 6,932 yards in 2019.
For the season, Brunell piled up 2,298 yards and 32 touchdowns on 309 carries – the third 2,000-yard season of his high school career. His rushing total was the third-highest in the state this fall.
Brunell rushed for at least 100 yards in 11 of 12 games and over 200
yards in five games. His season-high came in a 33-8 win over Prairie du
Chien in the second round of the Division 5 playoffs, carrying 38 times
for 259 yards and two touchdowns.
At linebacker, Brunell tallied 83 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. He finished his career with over 300 tackles and was a four-year starter.
Brunell earned the Elroy "Crazylegs" HIrsch Award, which the Wisconsin Sports Network gives each season to the best running back in state.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Wisconsin Players of the Year
2020 — Hunter Wohler, DB, Muskego
2021 — Myles Burkett, QB, Franklin
2022 — Wynn Stang, RB, Mukwonago
