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 2023 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.
Jeremiah Smith of
Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) is the 2023 MaxPreps Florida High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior wide receiver led the Lions to a 14-0 record, third consecutive state title and No. 2 national ranking.
For the season, Smith caught 90 passes for 1,389 yards and 19 touchdowns. He added a rushing score, a 70-yard touchdown pass and a punt return TD.
MaxPreps Florida Player of the Year Jeremiah Smith dominated in this contest against Bergen Catholic in September. (Photo: Laura Martin)
In the 1M state championship game, Smith had 13 receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown to help Chaminade-Madonna beat Clearwater Central Catholic (Clearwater) 56-0.
Smith went off against nationally-ranked Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) in September, piling up 17 receptions for 321 yards and three touchdowns in a 61-21 win.
Thanks in part to Smith's efforts, Chaminade-Madonna averaged 49.1 points per game and outscored opponents in four playoff games 210-7.
Committed to Ohio State, Smith is regarded as the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2024 by
247Sports and could become the first wide receiver to finish on top of the player rankings.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Florida Players of the Year
2020 — J.J. McCarthy, QB, IMG Academy (Bradenton)
2021 — Kenyatta Jackson Jr., EDGE, Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood)
2022 — Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami Central (Miami)
