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.
Landon Meier of
Shanley (Fargo) is the 2023 MaxPreps North Dakota High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 195-pound senior quarterback broke seven state records this season for the Division AAA state runner-up. He led the Deacons to an 11-1 record for an offense that broke the AAA state record for most points in a season with 568.
Meier broke the record for completions (253), pass attempts (390), passing yards (3,529), passing touchdowns (44), passing yards per game (294), total offense (4,398) and total touchdowns (61).
For the season, Meier completed 64.8 percent of his passes, helping the Shanley offense average 47.3 points per game with at least 31 points in all 12 contests.
In a 38-35 loss against Minot in the Division AAA state championship, Meier completed 28 of 44 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. He added 58 yards on the ground.
Meier racked up at least 300 yards of total offense in 10 games. His season-high came on Oct. 13 when he accounted for 500 yards of total offense in a 55-33 win over Mandan. He completed 24 of 41 passes for 389 yards and four touchdowns to go with 101 yards rushing and three more scores. His season-high in passing came on Sept. 29 in a 69-20 win over Legacy (Bismarck) when he completed 19 of 23 passes for 428 yards and six touchdowns.
In three playoff games he accounted for 960 yards of total offense (743 passing, 217 rushing) and 14 touchdowns.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps North Dakota Players of the Year
2020 — Andrew Leingang, OL, Century
2021 — Trey Heinrich, RB/LB, Kindred
2022 — Michael Rostberg, QB, Shanley (Fargo)
