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.
Luther Burden III of
East St. Louis is the 2021 MaxPreps Illinois High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-2, 200-poind wide receiver led the Flyers to a 12-3 record and runner-up finish in the 6A postseason, falling 37-36 to Cary-Grove in the finals.
The Missouri commit compiled 2,186 all-purpose yards receiving and 35 touchdowns for East St. Louis, including six catches for 106 yards and two scores in the state final loss to Cary-Grove. He also added 296 kick return yards and a score in that game.
In two years with the Flyers, he tallied 1,921 yards receiving with 25 TDs. The MaxPreps Junior All-America first team pick added nearly 3,000 career yards and 40 scores while playing at St. Louis' Cardinal Ritter College Prep.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in early January.
Luther Burden III of East St. Louis is the 2021 MaxPreps Illinois High School Football Player of the Year.
File photo by Ricky Slaughter
