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.
Jack Smith of
Lincoln (Sioux Falls) is the 2023 MaxPreps South Dakota High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior wide receiver had a record-breaking season while leading the Patriots to a 12-0 record and Class 11AAA state title. It was the school's first state championship since 2014.
Smith finished with 1,171 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns to go with three return scores. He closed out his career as the state's career leader in receptions (217), receiving yards (3,242) and receiving touchdowns (43). He owns the AAA career records in single-season receptions (89), single-season receiving yards (1,346) and single-season receiving touchdowns (21).
In a 37-34 win over Stevens (Rapid City) as a junior, Smith broke the individual game record for receptions (21) and receiving yards (377). He also owns the single-game record for receiving touchdowns (5).
After hauling in 89 receptions for 1,346 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior, Smith had another big season to close out his high school career. He accounted for 24 total touchdowns while leading the Patriots to their first state title in nine years. His best performance came in a 55-13 win over Brandon Valley (Brandon) when he hauled in nine receptions for 161 yards and five scores to go with 36 yards rushing and a kickoff return touchdown.
In a 31-7 win over O'Gorman (Sioux Falls) in the 11AAA state championship, Smith finished with 98 total yards and a touchdown. The Patriots broke the AAA state record with 589 points scored this season.
Smith committed to South Dakota State in June.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps South Dakota Players of the Year
2020 — Tate Johnson, RB, Brandon Valley (Brandon)
2021 — Jacob Knuth, QB, Harrisburg
2022 — Lincoln Kienholz, QB, Riggs (Pierre)
