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.
Elijah Thomas of
Checotah is the 2024 MaxPreps Oklahoma High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior two-way standout helped the Wildcats to an 8-5 record and Class 3A semifinal appearance.
Thomas finished with 72 receptions for 1,803 yards and 26 touchdowns. He added 63 carries for 406 yards and 10 more scores. Defensively, he piled up 82 tackles, four interceptions and two forced fumbles.
In helping Checotah win eight or more games for the first time since 2019, Thomas had at least 100 yards receiving in 10 games and reached the 200-yard mark in each of his last two games.
Thomas caught six passes for 241 touchdowns and three touchdowns in his final high school game, a loss to Sulphur in the semifinals.
A week prior, Thomas led the Wildcats to a 35-32 win over Bristow in the quarterfinals with eight receptions for 270 yards and four scores. He also recorded 11 tackles on defense.
Thomas signed with Oklahoma earlier this month. He is the top-ranked senior prospect in the state according to
247Sports and No. 115 nationally.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Oklahoma Players of the Year
2020 — Braylin Presley, RB, Bixby
2021 — Braylin Presley, RB, Bixby
2022 — Xavier Robinson, RB, Carl Albert (Midwest City)
2023 — Xavier Robinson, RB, Carl Albert
