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 2023 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.
Drake Lindsey of
Fayetteville is the 2023 MaxPreps Arkansas High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound senior quarterback led the Bulldogs to a 13-0 record and 7A state title.
For the season, Lindsey threw for 3,916 yards and 52 touchdowns against four interceptions while completing 69.6 percent of his attempts. His 52 touchdown passes set a new single-season record in 7A.
MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year Drake Lindsey led Fayetteville to an unbeaten season while throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 52 touchdowns. (Photo: Justin Manning)
In a 22-16 win over Bentonville in the championship game, Lindsey completed 27 of 38 passes for 355 yards and a touchdown, leading Fayetteville to its first title since 2016.
Lindsey completed 35 of 51 attempts for a season-high 538 yards with six touchdowns in a 47-42 win over Rogers in September. A week earlier, he threw for 402 yards and six touchdowns in a 55-21 win against Bentonville West (Centerton).
In three playoff games, Lindsey threw for 841 yards and five touchdowns while completing 73.3 percent of his passes. He led the way for an offense that averaged 43.4 points per game.
Regarded as one of the top prospects in the state by
247Sports, Lindsey committed to Minnesota in May over six other offers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Arkansas Players of the Year
2020 — Joseph Himon, RB, Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
2021 — Joseph Himon, RB, Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
2022 — Jalen Dupree, RB, Malvern
