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 2022 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.
Devon Dampier of
Saguaro (Scottsdale) is the 2022 MaxPreps Arizona High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-0, 190-pound senior quarterback led the Sabercats to their second straight Open Division state championship game appearance.
Dampier finished the season with 2,421 yards passing and 21 touchdowns to go with 1,293 yards rushing and 12 more scores.
In a 43-42 win over Liberty (Peoria) in the semifinals, Dampier completed 20 of 29 pass attempts for 292 yards and four touchdowns to go with 158 yards rushing and another score.
Taking on a daunting schedule, Saguaro started 2-3 before winning seven in a row to reach the title game, where it fell to nationally-ranked Basha (Chandler) 28-21.
Dampier led the Sabercats to the Open Division title as a junior, snapping Chandler's five-year run as the champion in Arizona's highest classification. He was at his best in the postseason, putting up 1,796 yards of total offense and 19 touchdowns in six playoff games over the past two years.
Dampier committed to New Mexico in October over 13 other FBS and FCS offers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released January 10.
Past MaxPreps Arizona Players of the Year2020 – Ty Thompson, QB, Mesquite (Gilbert)
2021 – Nicco Marchiol, QB, Hamilton (Chandler)
Arizona MaxPreps Player of the Year Devon Dampier in action during Saguaro's semifinal win over Liberty. (Photo: Steve Paynter)
