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 2021 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.
Shelby senior
Malaki Hamrick is the 2021 MaxPreps North Carolina High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound outside linebacker led the Lions to their 12th state championship, with a 15-1 record and recorded 135 total tackles, 41 tackles for loss and 20 sacks.
Hamrick's biggest night of the season came Oct. 8 in a 38-28 win over Crest (Shelby), finishing with 15 total tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks.
The No. 15 ranked edge-rushing prospect nationally, signed with North Carolina over 16 additional offers. Hamrick amassed 400 total tackles, 112 tackles for loss and 52 sacks in his four-year career.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for
inclusion in the MaxPreps All-American Team, which will be released in
early January.
Malaki Hamrick tackles the quarterback in the Lions state championship game victory.
Photo by Charles Mardre
