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 2024 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.
Nolan James of
DePaul Catholic (Wayne) is the 2024 MaxPreps New Jersey High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior running back helped the Spartans to an 11-1 record and Non-Public B state championship.
James finished his senior campaign with 243 carries for 1,921 yards and 19
touchdowns, averaging 7.9 yards per
carry. He added 27 receptions for 340 yards and three more scores while contributing on defense with 11 tackles and an interception.
Nolan James was held under 100 yards on the ground just once this season and piled up 200 yards or more three times. (Photo: Pete Hagedoorn)
In a 33-21 win over Pope John XXIII (Sparta) in the title game, James ran 29 times for 244 yards and two touchdowns. In three postseason contests he ran for 502 yards and five touchdowns to go with five receptions for 75 yards and another score.
James led the Spartans to a 28-17 win over Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) in the second week of the season with 35 carries for 173 yards and a score to go with five receptions and 30 yards. He produced 242 yards in a 34-14 win over Seton Hall Prep (West Orange) in September.
Regarded as the No. 4 prospect in the state of New Jersey and a top 250 player nationally according to
247Sports, James signed with Notre Dame last week.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps New Jersey Players of the Year
2020 — Audric Estime, RB, St. Joseph Regional (Montvale)
2021 — Jaeden Gould, CB, Bergen Catholic (Oradell)
2022 — Micah Ford, ATH, Toms River North (Toms River)
2023 — Quincy Porter, WR, Bergen Catholic
