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 2025 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.
David Gabriel-Georges of
Baylor (Chattanooga) is the 2025 MaxPreps Tennessee High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 205-pound junior running back led the Red Raiders to a 12-0 record and Division II Class AAA state title.
For the season, Gabriel-Georges rushed for 1,756 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading Baylor to its first undefeated season since 1973.
MaxPreps Tennessee Player of the Year David Gabriel-Georges capped an incredible junior season with over 200 total yards and two touchdowns in the state championship game. (PHOTO: Andy Mitchell)
In a 28-24 win over Brentwood Academy (Brentwood) in the championship game, Gabriel-Georges piled up 212 total yards and scored two touchdowns to give Baylor its third state title.
In a 56-35 win over McCallie (Chattanooga) in the semifinals, Gabriel-Georges ran 32 times for 431 yards and seven touchdowns, helping Baylor beat its rival twice in the same season for the first time since 2010.
During the regular season meeting against McCallie, Gabriel-Georges tallied 25 carries for 282 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-35 win.
Gabriel-Georges moved from Quebec and enrolled at Baylor in July of 2024. He had 114 carries for 1,103 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first season at the school as a sophomore.
Regarded as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2027 nationally by 247Sports, Gabriel Georges has landed 31 FBS offers led by Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas.
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)
2023 — Amari Jefferson, WR, Baylor (Chattanooga)
2024 — Jared Curtis, QB, Nashville Christian (Nashville)
