Previewing the 2023 high school football season: Jeremiah Smith, Colin Simmons headline top 10 players

Ellis Robinson IV, David Stone represent IMG Academy as lone set of teammates selected.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
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Jul 31, 2023, 10:00am
We've finished a position-by-position breakdown looking at the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs. Now, we wrap it up with the 10 best players overall regardless of position.

Jeremiah Smith of Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.) and Colin Simmons of Duncanville (Texas) headline the list. Smith was one of four offensive players selected while Simmons leads the way for the six defensive selections.

David Sanders Jr. of Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.) was one of two non-seniors selected. He's the top-rated prospect in the Class of 2025 on 247Sports. Ryan Williams of Saraland (Ala.) was the other choice.

Florida has the most selections with three followed by Georgia with two. Alabama, California, Missouri, North Carolina and Texas all had one.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2024)
The five-star wide receiver was a  MaxPreps Junior All-America first-team selection after racking up over 1,000 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns. Smith and the Lions begin the season No. 7 in the MaxPreps Top 25.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 225
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2024)
A monster junior campaign saw the Panthers win their first state title since 1998. Racked up 33 tackles for loss and 22.5 sacks for the 6A Division 1 state champs.

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 255
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2025)
Led the Chargers to their second straight NCISAA Division 1 state title last season. Dominated on both sides of the ball and is the best offensive linemen in the country regardless of class.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2024)
The top-rated corner in his class on 247Sports leads the way for a very talented Ascenders team that begins the season at No. 4 in the MaxPreps Top 25.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 165
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Junior (2025)
Put up video-game numbers as a sophomore while leading the Spartans to their first state title. Had 88 receptions for 1,641 yards and 24 touchdowns to go with 700 yards rushing and 15 scores.

6. David Stone, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 270
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2024)
The five-star defensive lineman is one of the toughest players to block in the country and joins Robinson IV as Ascender teammates.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2024)
Racked up 56 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 12 sacks while leading the Broncos to their first state championship game appearance.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200
Status: Committed to Stanford | Class: Senior (2024)
Is 29-1 during his career playing against elite competition. Enters his senior year with 6,339 yards passing and 76 touchdowns. Brown and the Monarchs begin the year as the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Top 25.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2024)
After spending his junior season at Chandler (Ariz.), the five-star quarterback will finish his high school career playing for the Wolves. He can make every throw in the book as Buford begins the season No. 10 in the MaxPreps Top 25.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 230
Status: Committed to Clemson | Class: Senior (2024)
The 2022-23 MaxPreps Male Athlete of the Year finished his junior season with 113 tackles to go with 1,449 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns on offense.

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