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 2020 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.
Audric Estime of
St. Joseph Regional (Montvale) is the 2020 MaxPreps New Jersey High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back made the most of his pandemic-shortened senior season, piling up 1,857 yards and 22 touchdowns in just eight games. He also caught 14 passes for 185 yards and two scores.
After beginning the season 1-2, the Green Knights rattled off five consecutive wins to finish the season 6-2.
Estime had back-to-back 300-yard performances in November, going for 309 yards and three scores against Don Bosco Prep then turning around and getting 303 more with four TDs two weeks later against Cherokee.
In four varsity seasons at St. Joseph Regional, Estime totaled 4,229 yards and 54 touchdowns. He signed with Notre Dame in December over 17 other offers, including Nebraska and Texas A&M.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released Jan. 29.
Audric Estime in action during an October game against Bergen Catholic.
Photo by Steve Luciano
