Zion Finau named 2024 MaxPreps Utah High School Football Player of the Year

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 2024 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.

Zion Finau of Corner Canyon (Draper) is the 2024 MaxPreps Utah High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound senior offensive lineman led the Chargers to a 13-1 record and Class 6A state championship.

Corner Canyon won its final 11 games including a 30-27 triumph in the state championship over Lone Peak (Highland). The Chargers played their final eight contests of the year without their top quarterback (Helaman Casuga), running back (Bryton Brady) and wide receiver (Jerome Myles). The one constant was the offensive line behind the leadership of Finau. He dominated in the trenches for the No. 21 team in the MaxPreps Top 25. He also finished second on the team with 12 rushing touchdowns and spent time on defense, recording 14 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble.

Finau turned in one of his best performances in a 35-34 win over IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). He made a huge impact on both sides of the ball and added a one-yard rushing touchdown.

During the postseason Finau stood out and helped the Chargers win their second consecutive state title. In the state championship game he led the way for an offense that rushed for 314 yards. In a 35-34 overtime win against Lehi in the semifinals the offense racked up 487 total yards.

Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America team.

2020 — Jaxson Dart, QB, Corner Canyon

2021 — Devin Brown, QB, Corner Canyon

2022 — Smith Snowden, DB, Skyridge (Lehi)

2023 — Isaac Wilson, QB, Corner Canyon