Three-star offensive tackle dominated in trenches for Class 4A state champion Bishop Kelly.
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.
Rakeem Johnson of
Bishop Kelly (Boise) is the 2023 MaxPreps Idaho High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound senior offensive tackle/defensive lineman made a huge impact on both sides of the ball, leading the Knights to a 13-0 record and Class 4A state championship.
In the title game, Johnson paved the way for Peter Minnaert to run for 138 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-26 win over Hillcrest (Idaho Falls), bringing home the school's first state crown since 2015.
Bishop Kelly scored 40 or more points in each of its first eight games this season thanks in part to the play of MaxPreps Idaho Player of the Year Rakeem Johnson. (Photo: Julian Jenkins)
Contributing on both sides of the ball, Johnson helped Bishop Kelly go 25-1 as a junior and senior. He earned Southern Idaho Conference Player of the Year honors as voted by the coaches this fall.
Regarded as a three-star prospect by
247Sports, Johnson recently decommitted from Oregon State and has landed over 10 offers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Idaho Players of the Year
2020 — Jordan Erickson, RB/DB, Rocky Mountain (Meridian)
2021 — Tiger Adolpho, QB, Rigby
2022 — Kenyon Sadiq, WR, Skyline (Idaho Falls)
