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.
Eli Holstein of
Zachary is the 2021 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound junior quarterback threw for 3,228 yards and 30 touchdown passes while leading the Broncos to the state 5A championship with a 15-0 mark. He added 518 yards rushing and 14 more scores.
The Texas A&M commit led Zacahry to the title with a rushing and passing touchdown in the second half as Holstein and the Broncos overcame a 20-14 halftime deficit. The No. 67 overall prospect in the country, according to 247Sports, had TD strikes of 36 and 41 yards with the 1-yard TD run.
Holstein's best game of the season came Oct. 8 against Live Oak when he threw for 418 yards and three touchdowns in the 54-21 win. He tossed at least one touchdown pass in every game for the Broncos.
Walker Howard of
St. Thomas More (Lafayette) was the 2020 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Football Player of the Year.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior quarterback led the Cougars (10-0) to
their second straight Division II championship and a No. 24 national
ranking by MaxPreps.
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.
Eli Holstein, Zachary
Photo by Parker Waters
