2022 MaxPreps High School Football All-America Team

By Zack Poff Jan 10, 2023, 10:00am

Caleb Downs, Rueben Bain, Jackson Arnold, Roderick Robinson headline list of this fall's top performers.

Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized the nation's top high school football players at the conclusion of the season. Past members of the MaxPreps High School Football All-America Team include Keenan Allen (2009), Donovan Edwards (2020), Myles Garrett (2013), Stefon Diggs (2011), Derrick Henry (2012), Travis Hunter (2021), Derwin James (2014), Julio Jones (2007), Micah Parsons (2017), Garrett Wilson (2018), Bryce Young (2019) and Chase Young (2016).

Caleb Downs of Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.), Rueben Bain of Central (Miami) and Jackson Arnold of Guyer (Denton, Texas) headline the 60 players selected to the 2022 MaxPreps All-America Team. Downs dominated on both sides of the ball, leading his team to the AAAAAAA state championship in Georgia – the school's first title. Bain racked up 29 sacks while leading Central to a fourth straight state title. Arnold put up video game numbers for one of the best teams in Texas, accounting for 4,400 yards of total offense and 57 touchdowns.

St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) finished the year as the No. 1 team in the final MaxPreps Top 25. As might be expected, the Braves lead the way with four selections – first-teamer Matayo Uiagalelei along with second-team picks Deven Bryant, DeAndre Moore and Sean Na'a.

In total, 46 different schools had at least one selection.



Selections are based on team success, individual production and local, regional and state honors from the recently-completed season. Potential at the college and professional level is not a primary consideration. Players in post-graduate and non-scholastic programs are not eligible for inclusion.

The 2022 MaxPreps National Player of the Year will be announced today on CBS Sports HQ at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET.
First team offense

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205
Status: Signed with Oklahoma | Class: Senior (2023)
MaxPreps Texas Player of the Year accounted for 4,400 yards of total offense (3,476 passing, 924 rushing) and 57 total touchdowns (33 passing, 24 rushing).

Height: 5-10 | Weight: 170
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
Threw for 3,575 yards and had 54 touchdown passes against two interceptions. MaxPreps Nevada Player of the Year completed nearly 76 percent of his passes while adding 353 yards rushing and three more scores.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 230
Status: Signed with Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
Rushed for 2,378 yards and 37 touchdowns while leading the Hornets to their first state title.

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 200
Status: Signed with Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
Finished senior year with 1,695 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns, averaging 11.1 yards per carry. Added nine receptions for 239 yards and three scores to go with two kickoff return touchdowns.



Height: 5-10 | Weight: 190
Status: Signed with Buffalo | Class: Senior (2023)
MaxPreps Ohio Player of the Year rushed for 3,867 yards and broke the single-season state record rushing for 58 scores.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
Status: Signed with Ohio State | Class: Senior (2023)
Hauled in 73 receptions for 1,336 yards and 15 touchdowns for one of the best teams in the country.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 175
Status: Signed with Texas | Class: Senior (2023)
Led Eagles to Class 6A Division 2 state title hauling in 84 catches for 1,470 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Status: Signed with USC | Class: Senior (2023)
Made a huge impact in all three phases of the game for one of the top teams in California.

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 225
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Posted 84 receptions for 1,614 yards and 14 touchdowns for the 6A runner-up.

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 330
Status: Signed with Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
MaxPreps Iowa Player of the Year dominated in the trenches leading the Rams to second straight Class 5A state title.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 330
Status: Signed with Miami | Class: Senior (2023)
Dominated against the best competition, helping the Ascenders finish season at No. 5 in MaxPreps Top 25.



Height: 6-5 | Weight: 290
Status: Signed with Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2023)
Capped a tremendous high school career with another great season for Non-Public A state runner-up.

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 290
Status: Signed with Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
Played a major role for an offense that broke the single-season state record for most points (792) while going 15-0 with the AAAAAA state title.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 285
Status: Signed with Penn State | Class: Senior (2023)
As impressive as any offensive lineman in the country.

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 260
Status: Signed with Oregon | Class: Senior (2023)
Made a huge impact on both sides of the ball for the 2022 MaxPreps National Champions.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 185
Status: Signed with Nebraska | Class: Senior (2023)
Saved his best for last, connecting on all five field goal attempts in the state championship game including a 45-yard game-winner with no time remaining to give the Warriors a 43-41 win over Gretna in the Class A state championship.

First team defense



Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245
Status: Signed with Miami | Class: Senior (2023)
MaxPreps Florida Player of the Year racked up 29 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss while leading Rockets to fourth straight state title and No. 2 finish in the national rankings.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 270
Status: Signed with Clemson | Class: Senior (2023)
Dominated in the trenches while leading Warriors to fourth consecutive 7A state championship.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 240
Status: Signed with LSU | Class: Senior (2023)
Racked up 15 sacks and 26 tackles for loss playing against top-notch competition every week.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 225
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
Led Panthers to first state title since 1998 and is one of two juniors selected to the MaxPreps All-America Team.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200
Status: Signed with Mississippi | Class: Senior (2023)
MaxPreps Mississippi Player of the Year had 92 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions to go with 2,000-plus yards rushing and 32 touchdowns while leading Lions to their first state title.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 230
Status: Signed with Notre Dame | Class: Senior (2023)
Finished senior campaign with 144 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions to go with over 2,000 total yards and 29 touchdowns on offense.



Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220
Status: Signed with USC | Class: Senior (2023)
MaxPreps Louisiana Player of the Year racked up 112 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks and three interceptions to go with 1,115 yards rushing on offense for Division III Non-Select state champs.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 165
Status: Committed to Miami | Class: Senior (2023)
Quarterbacks rarely looked the five-star prospect's direction in 2022. Led the Dreadnaughts to 4S state title.

DB Jeremiah Hughes, Bishop Gorman
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 175
Status: Signed with LSU | Class: Senior (2023)
Intercepted seven passes for the No. 4 team in the final MaxPreps Top 25.

DB Desmond Ricks, IMG Academy
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 170
Status: Signed with Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
Lockdown corner blankets one side of the field every time he steps on the field.

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
The four-star speedster had four interceptions and two kickoff return touchdowns despite quarterbacks and place kickers limiting his opportunities. 

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195
Status: Signed with Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
No one impacted the game in all three phases as much as the five-star safety. He led the Hawks to a AAAAAAA championship, the school's first state title.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 200
Status: Signed with Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2023)
Averaged better than 45 yards per punt and was a perfect 7 of 7 on field goals.



Second team offense

QB Malachi Nelson, Los Alamitos (Calif.)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 180
Status: Signed with USC | Class: Senior (2023)
Threw for nearly 3,000 yards and had 35 touchdowns compared to four interceptions playing against the best competition in the country.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210
Status: Signed with UCLA | Class: Senior (2023)
Four-year varsity starter finished his tremendous career leading Detroit power to back-to-back state titles. He completed 21 of 26 passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns in 56-27 win over Muskegon in Division 3 state championship.

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190
Status: Signed with Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2023)
Last year's MaxPreps National Junior of the Year rushed for 1,781 yards and 25 touchdowns.

RB Mark Fletcher, American Heritage
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225
Status: Signed with Miami | Class: Senior (2023)
Rushed for 1,934 yards and 23 touchdowns for 2M runner-up.

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185
Status: Signed with Clemson | Class: Senior (2023)
MaxPreps South Carolina Player of the Year rushed for 2,272 yards and 33 touchdowns to go with 36 receptions for 527 yards and six more scores.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 210
Status: Signed with Oregon | Class: Senior (2023)
Led Maroon Tide to second straight 5A state title while rushing for 2,165 yards and 31 touchdowns.



WR Carnell Tate, IMG Academy
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180
Status: Signed with Ohio State | Class: Senior (2023)
Big play receiver averaged more than 20 yards per reception playing against national competition.

WR Trech Kekahuna, Bishop Gorman
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185
Status: Signed with Wisconsin | Class: Senior (2023)
Hauled in 61 receptions for 1,330 yards and 22 touchdowns for No. 4 team in final MaxPreps Top 25.

WR DeAndre Moore, St. John Bosco
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
Status: Signed with Texas | Class: Senior (2023)
Made an impact for top-ranked Braves and helped snapped Mater Dei's (Santa Ana, Calif.) 29-game win streak in CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship. He had seven catches for 122 yards and a score in the 24-22 win.

TE Jelani Thurman, Langston Hughes
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 230
Status: Signed with Ohio State | Class: Senior (2023)
Averaged 16 yards per reception and had 13 touchdowns for No. 15 team in final MaxPreps Top 25.

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 330
Status: Signed with Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
Mauling offensive tackle dominated in the trenches while leading Flyers to Class 6A state title.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 315
Status: Signed with Oklahoma | Class: Senior (2023)
Great run and pass blocker, led Broncos to 12-2 record and a Class 6 runner-up finish.



Height: 6-2 | Weight: 310
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Four-year varsity starter finished his high school career with another big-time season.

OL Sean Na'a, St. John Bosco
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 305
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Protected Pierce Clarkson's blindside and played a major role for one of the best offensive lines in the country.

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315
Status: Signed with Clemson | Class: Senior (2023)
Helped Vipers make first state championship game appearance for an offense that averaged more than 350 total yards per game.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
Status: Signed with Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2023)
Rushed for 2,519 yards and 36 touchdowns to go with 120 tackles and two interceptions on defense.

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 175
Status: Signed with Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
Top-rated kicker in Class of 2023 booted five field goals of 50-plus yards during his senior season, including one from 60.

Second team defense



Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
Status: Signed with Clemson | Class: Senior (2023)
MaxPreps District of Columbia Player of the Year led Cadets to second straight WCAC title racking up 16 sacks and 30 tackles for loss.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 240
Status: Signed with Northwestern | Class: Senior (2023)
Posted 152 tackles and 20.5 sacks while leading Eagles to second consecutive Division 1 state title.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 240
Status: Signed with Maryland | Class: Senior (2023)
School's all-time sack leader made impact on both sides of the ball for the best team in New Jersey.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 225
Status: Signed with Texas | Class: Senior (2023)
Led Falcons to first state title in school history, racking up 63 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.

LB Wyatt Gedeon, St. Edward
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 235
Status: Signed with Coastal Carolina | Class: Senior (2023)
Finished senior campaign with 125 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 20 sacks for No. 17 team in final MaxPreps Top 25.

LB Deven Bryant, St. John Bosco
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 210
Status: Signed with Washington | Class: Senior (2023)
Sideline-to-sideline linebacker was the leading tackler for the best defense in high school football.



LB Stanquan Clark, Central (Miami)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215
Status: Signed with Louisville | Class: Senior (2023)
Posted 102 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 15 sacks for the No. 2 team in final MaxPreps Top 25.

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180
Status: Signed with Penn State | Class: Senior (2023)
Led Raiders to fourth straight state title. The hard-hitting safety was also one of the most dynamic return specialists in the country with two kickoff and two punt return scores.

DB Smith Snowden, Skyridge
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 175
Status: Signed with Utah | Class: Senior (2023)
MaxPreps Utah Player of the Year had six interceptions for the 6A state champs.

Height: 5-10 | Weight: 175
Status: Signed with Oregon | Class: Senior (2023)
Helped Bears win first state title as the leader on defense with 94 tackles, two interceptions.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
One of the most versatile defensive players in the country led Mustangs to another top 10 finish in the MaxPreps Top 25.

AP Peyton Bowen, Guyer
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
Status: Signed with Oklahoma | Class: Senior (2023)
Made an impact in all three phases for one of the best teams in Texas.



Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
Status: Signed with Pittsburgh | Class: Senior (2023)
Two-way standout led Phantoms to undefeated season and Class 3 state title racking up nearly 1,900 total yards and 35 touchdowns on offense to go with 88 tackles and 10 interceptions (four pick-sixes) on defense.

Height: 6-1.5 | Weight: 185
Status: Signed with Stanford | Class: Senior (2023)
Top-rated punter on the West Coast was great in all three phases of the kicking game.