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.
Jacob Knuth of
Harrisburg is the 2021 MaxPreps South Dakota High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound senior quarterback led his Tigers to a 12-0 record and the Class 11AAA state title.
In just 12 games, Knuth completed 164 of 251 pass attempts for 2,401 yards, ran for 507 yards and accounted for 41 touchdowns. In a 27-0 win over Brandon Valley in the championship game, he threw and ran for 133 yards and three scores.
Behind its star dual-threat signal caller, Harrisburg averaged 41 points per game on the season. During a September win over Roosevelt (Sioux Falls), Knuth threw for 358 yards and two touchdowns to spark a 600-yard performance by the Tiger offense.
Committed to Minnesota, Knuth is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country according to
247Sports. Air Force, Army, Iowa and Kansas State were among other FBS programs to extend a scholarship offer.
Augustana University freshman running back Tate Johnson was the 2020 MaxPreps South Dakota Player of the Year after helping Brandon Valley win the Class 11AAA state title, rushing for 1,956 yards and 29 touchdowns.
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.
