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.
Malik Washington of
Archbishop Spalding (Severn) is the 2024 MaxPreps Maryland High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior quarterback led the Cavaliers to a 12-0 record and MIAA-A state title.
Despite sitting in the second half of several games due to lopsided scores, Washington threw for 2,095 yards and 24 touchdowns while running for 330 yards and nine more scores. He finished with a 33-4 record as the starting signal caller at Archbishop Spalding while leading the program to three state MIAA-A crowns.
Malik Washington led Archbishop Spalding to 33 wins in his prep career and three straight MIAA-A championships. (Photo: Kim Kravitz)
In a 31-7 win over McDonogh (Owings Mills) in the championship game, Washington accounted for nearly 200 yards of total offense and three touchdowns.
Washington accounted for 485 yards and six touchdowns as Archbishop Spalding opened the season with impressive wins over Archbishop Hoban (Akron, Ohio) and nationally-ranked DeMatha (Hyattsville).
Ranked No. 10 nationally by MaxPreps, the Cavaliers notched their first undefeated season since 2006 in dominant fashion, outscoring opponents 487-34.
Washington signed with Maryland last week after fielding offers from more than 20 other FBS programs. He is the No. 50 senior prospect in the country according to
247Sports, No. 2 in Maryland and the No. 5 quarterback.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Maryland Players of the Year
2021 — Derrick Moore, EDGE, St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)
2022 — Da'Shawn Womack, EDGE, St. Frances Academy
2023 — Aaron Chiles, LB, Good Counsel (Olney)
