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.
Mark Zackery of
Ben Davis (Indianapolis) is the 2024 MaxPreps Indiana High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 165-pound senior defensive back and wide receiver helped the Giants win four of their last five games.
Offensively, Zackery had 58 receptions for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Defensively, he posted 62 tackles, four tackles for loss, eight interceptions (two pick-sixes), one sack and a forced fumble.
Zackery had six games with over 100 yards receiving and at least one interception.
Mark Zackery has helped Ben Davis win state championships in football and basketball during his high school career. (Photo: Tyler Hart)
After starting the year 1-4, the defending Class 6A state champs hit their stride down the stretch. The Giants nearly knocked off eventual Class 6A state champion Brownsburg in the second round of the playoffs, losing 38-35 after leading 35-7 at halftime.
Zackery had a huge night with eight receptions for a season-high 177 yards and four touchdowns. He added six tackles and a forced fumble on defense despite playing through a thumb injury he suffered during the regular season finale.
In the opening round of the state playoffs Zackery had four receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-24 win over Pike (Indianapolis). He added seven tackles and two interceptions on defense.
Zackery helped Ben Davis win the state title as a junior hauling in 53 receptions for 823 yards and eight touchdowns. He added 39 tackles, four interceptions and two forced fumbles on defense.
According to
247Sports, Zackery is Indiana's No. 4 prospect in the Class of 2025. He committed to Notre Dame in May over more than 30 other FBS offers. In addition to his exploits on the gridiron, he helped Ben Davis win a state title in basketball as a sophomore. Despite having surgery to repair his injured thumb, he is expected to be back to contribute for the Giants on the hardwood this winter.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Indiana Players of the Year
2020 — Carson Steele, RB, Center Grove (Greenwood)
2021 — Brady Allen, QB, Gibson Southern (Fort Branch)
2022 — Drayk Bowen, LB, Andrean (Merrillville)
2023 — Josh Ringer, RB, East Central (St. Leon)
