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.
Jalen Dupree of
Malvern is the 2022 MaxPreps Arkansas High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior running back helped the Leopards go 12-2 and capture the Class 4A state championship.
After running for 1,607 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore, Dupree rushed for 2,828 yards and 41 touchdowns this season. He added 15 receptions for 343 yards and five scores.
Defensively, Dupree had 19 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles – all in the postseason.
Dupree rushed for more than 200 yards in a game six times this season. In a four-game stretch between Sept. 30 and Oct. 28, he rushed for 1,027 yards and 22 touchdowns.
In the state championship game, Dupree had a day for the ages on his way to winning MVP. In a 64-39 win over Harding Academy, he rushed for 287 yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries. He caught another touchdown and defensively contributed five tackles and two sacks.
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 Arkansas Players of the Year2020 – Joseph Himon, RB, Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
2021 – Joseph Himon, RB Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Jalen Dupree is the 2022 MaxPreps Arkansas High School Football Player of the Year. (Photo: Justin Manning)
