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.
Amari Jefferson of
Baylor (Chattanooga) is the 2023 MaxPreps Tennessee High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 200-pound senior wide receiver led the Red Raiders to a 10-3 record and to the Division II Class AAA state championship game.
For the season, Jefferson hauled in 74
receptions for 1,401 yards and 20 touchdowns.
MaxPreps Tennessee Player of the Year Amari Jefferson hauls in a pass against McCallie in October. (Photo: Andy Mitchell)
In a 34-28 loss to McCallie (Chattanooga) in the title game, Jefferson had
eight receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns. In the semifinals, he hauled in seven grabs for 144
yards and three scores in a 49-35 win over Knoxville Catholic
(Knoxville).
As a junior, Jefferson had 72
receptions for 1,370 yards and 17 touchdowns to help Baylor win a state title.
Regarded as a top 150 prospect nationally by
247Sports, Jefferson received over 20 FBS offers before committing to Alabama in August.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Tennessee Players of the Year
2020 — Dallan Hayden, RB, Christian Brothers (Memphis)
2021 — Walter Nolen, DL, Powell
2022 — Junior Sherrill, WR, Lipscomb Academy (Nashville)
