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.
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King (Detroit) is the 2021 MaxPreps Michigan High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound junior led the Crusaders (13-1) to their fifth state title with a 25-21 win over DeWitt for the Division III crown at Ford Field in Detroit.
Moore, a five-star recruit considered the No. 9 junior recruit in the country, according to 247Sports, completed 18-of-24 passes for 228 yards in the championship game.
He finished the season 171 of 244 on the season for 3,044 yards and 40 touchdowns despite the Crusaders not playing in two forfeit wins. The team's only defeat was the Indiana power Carmel, 42-40. King would have finished unbeaten if not for a Hail Mary completion at the end for Carmel.
According to 247Sports, Moore has 28 offers, including front-runners Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Penn State. He's ranked the third best 2023 quarterback in the country and the No. 1 recruit overall from Michigan.
Donovan Edwards of
West Bloomfield
was the 2020 MaxPreps Michigan High School Football Player of the Year.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back rushed for more than 1,000
yards and 17 touchdowns for the Lakers (12-0), who play won the Division I state title with a 41-0 win over Davison.
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.
Dante Moore as a freshman leading King into the state-title game. The third-year starter lifted the Crusaders to a Division III state crown in 2021, earning MaxPreps Michigan High School Player of the Year honors.
File photo by Scott Hasse
