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.
J.J. Bright of
Souhegan (Amherst) is the 2023 MaxPreps New Hampshire High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound senior running back led the Sabers to an 8-3 record and a spot in the Division II semifinals.
For the season, Bright ran for 1,483 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging 12.8 yards per carry. He added 356 yards receiving and three more scores. Defensively, he piled up 45 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack and blocked two field goal attempts.
Bright was named the inaugural Yukica Player of the Year, which is voted on by NHIAA head coaches and members of the state's football media.
In a 41-22 win over Hanover in October, Bright rushed 27 times for 457 yards and five touchdowns. In the opening round of the playoffs, he had five carries for 154 yards and three touchdowns in a 54-6 win over Bow.
In addition to putting up big numbers, Bright was a leader on and off the field for the Sabers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps New Hampshire Players of the Year
2020 — Malcolm Bussey, RB, St. Paul's (Concord)
2021 — Tucker McCann, RB, Winnacunnet (Hampton)
2022 — Drew Heenan, QB, Londonderry
