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 2024 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.
Will Hawthorne of
Gilbert is the 2024 MaxPreps Iowa High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior linebacker and running back helped the Tigers to a 9-2 record and Class 4A quarterfinal appearance.
Hawthorne finished fourth in the state in rushing yards in the state with 2,263. He ran for 28 touchdowns, piled up 44.5 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two sacks defensively.
Perhaps most impressively, Hawthorne helped turn around a program that went 1-17 during a two-year
span from 2021 until 2022, leading the Tigers to their best record since 2015.
In his final high school game against state runner-up Pella, Hawthorne ran 34 times for 149 yards and a touchdown. He added three tackles and a tackle for loss on defense.
Hawthorne had 37 carries for 254 yards and three touchdowns to open the playoffs in a 21-14 win over Waverly-Shell Rock (Waverly). He also racked up 6.5 tackles on defense.
His season-high came in a 42-22 win over Mason City during the regular season. He carried 19 times for 285 yards and four touchdowns. It was one of six games he eclipsed the 200-yard mark on the ground.
Regarded as one of the top prospects in the state by
247Sports, Hawthorne committed to Iowa State in August over nearly 20 other offers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Iowa Players of the Year
2020 — Thomas Fidone II, TE, Lewis Central (Council Bluffs)
2021 — Xavier Nwankpa, S, Southeast Polk (Pleasant Hill)
2022 — Kadyn Proctor, OL, Southeast Polk
2023 — Preston Ries, QB/LB, Monticello
