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.
Ty Thompson of
Mesquite (Gilbert) is the 2020 MaxPreps Arizona High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound senior quarterback threw for 3,431 yards and 34 touchdowns while leading the Wildcats to a 10-1 record and Class 4A state championship.
In the title game, Thompson threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns, helping Mesquite erase a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter for the win.
Thompson's biggest night of the season came Oct. 30 in a 47-46 win over rival Gilbert when he completed 26 of 42 pass attempts for 548 yards and six scores.
Headed to Oregon next year, Thompson finished his Mesquite career with 9,891 yards through the air and 100 touchdown passes. He added another 1,145 yards and 20 scores on the ground.
247Sports pegs Thompson as the No. 4 quarterback prospect in the Class of 2021. He signed with the Ducks over offers from five other Pac-12 Conference programs as well as Iowa, LSU, Miami and Wisconsin.
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.
Ty Thompson celebrates with Mesquite coaches after winning the Class 4A state title.
Photo by Steven Davis
