Two-way standout led Warriors to first state title since 1982.
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 2020 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.
Avante Dickerson of
Omaha Westside is the 2020 MaxPreps Nebraska High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 170-pound two-way standout helped the Warriors go 12-0 and win their first state title since going back-to-back in 1981 and 1982. Westside reached the championship game in 2006, 2013 and 2019 but came up short in each appearance.
Dickerson contributed in a variety of ways, piling up 886 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns. He led the team with 583 receiving yards (averaging over 17 yards per reception), added 303 yards in the running game and 463 yards on kick and punt returns.
Defensively, Dickerson made 19 tackles, picked off four passes and recovered two fumbles. He was credited by his coaching staff for nine additional passes defended.
247Sports regards Dickerson as one of the top cornerback prospects in the country and a top 150 recruit overall. He committed to Minnesota last April over offers from programs like Georgia, Iowa, LSU, Michigan and Nebraska.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released Jan. 29.
Avante Dickerson extends for extra yardage during the 2019 state championship game.
File photo by Samuel Mfinanga
