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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Tetairoa McMillan is the 2021 MaxPreps California High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound receiver, defensive back and three-sport standout led the Friars to a 10-3 season and No. 6 nation ranking.
McMillan, nicknamed "T-Mac," had 88 catches for 1,302 yards and 18 touchdowns on offense while contributing eight interceptions on defense. The University of Arizona commit didn't pile up numbers against cupcakes either as 23 of his catches for 234 yards and three touchdowns were in two games against national No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana), both losses.
The Friars, in fact, gave Mater Dei its toughest tussle, losing 46-37 on Oct. 23. McMillan had a season-high 15 catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns in that one, against arguably the nation's toughest secondary. His biggest game overall was in a 56-12 win over Southern Section champion Orange Lutheran (Orange) when he had nine grabs for 219 yards and four touchdowns.
His contributions on defense, including a three interception performance during a 34-3 Southern Section Division I playoff win over Santa Margarita, vaulted the Friars all the way into the finals, where they lost again to Mater Dei, 27-7. The Monarchs went on to win the state Open Division title with a 44-7 win over Serra (San Mateo).
Along the way, Servite knocked off another national power, No. 7 St. John Bosco (Bellflower), 40-21, to reach the finals.
On top of his football skills, McMillan has been a starter on the basketball team and he's considered one of the top volleyball players in the country. Longtime 247Sports recruiting expert Greg Biggins said McMillan is one of the top five receivers he's ever seen in
Southern California and he's been evaluating talent in the region almost
30 years. Robert Woods and Steve Smith were others on his short list.
"His
skill set and instincts are off the charts," Biggins said of McMillan.
"He has the best body control I think I've ever seen. He wins 50-50
balls. Makes one-handed catches with either hand. You could put him at
safety and have an elite defender. He has an innate feel for where to
put his body and his timing is impeccable. He's also super smart, a 4.0
student — just a phenomenal kid. A natural."
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.
Tetairoa McMillan had 23 catches for 234 yards and three touchdowns in two games against national No. 1 Mater Dei.
Photo by Louis Lopez
