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 2024 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.
Kainoa Winston of
Gonzaga is the 2024 MaxPreps District Columbia High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound senior safety helped the Eagles to a 7-4 record and a WCAC semifinal appearance.
For the season, Winston piled up 71 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and blocked two field goals. Offensively, he rushed for 225 yards and two touchdowns while throwing for two more scores and also catching a TD.
Winston led Gonzaga to its highest win total since Caleb Williams was the starting quarterback in 2019.
According to
247Sports, Winston is the No. 1 senior prospect in the District of Columbia, No. 112 nationally and the No. 10 safety. He signed with Michigan last week after fielding more than 25 FBS offers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps District of Columbia Players of the Year
2021 — Jamar Curtis, RB, St. John's
2022 — David Ojiegbe, EDGE, St. John's
2023 — Da'Jaun Riggs, RB, St. John's
