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.
Graedyn Buell of
East (Cheyenne) is the 2020 MaxPreps Wyoming High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior quarterback threw for 3,065 yards and 38 touchdowns in leading the Thunderbirds to an 11-1 record and Class 4A state title. He also piled up 968 yards and 16 TDs on the ground en route to being named Star-Tribune Super 25 Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
As a junior and senior at East, Buell threw for over 6,000 yards and 73 touchdowns.
Against Thunder Basin in the state championship game, high winds made throwing the ball difficult. Buell compensated by running for 245 yards and four touchdowns in a 29-15 win. Thunder Basin beat East twice during the 2019 season and again in the 2020 opener.
With his final football season in the books at East, Buell has shifted his focus to the hardwood, where he is averaging over 20 points per game. He is evaluating multiple college football offers and plans to go into coaching.
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.
