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.
Ajani Sheppard of
Iona Prep (New Rochelle) is the 2021 MaxPreps New York High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound quarterback accounted for 3,398 yards of total offense (2,357 passing, 1,041 rushing) and 38 TDs in leading the Gaels to an 11-1 mark, the AAA NYCHSFL title and New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association football championship game.
In the 38-22 finals win over St. Francis, Sheppard threw for 129 yards on 15-of-20 passing and two touchdowns, adding 56 yards on the ground and another score. He is the only Westchester County quarterback to throw for more than 2,000 yards while also rushing for 1,000 yards in the same season.
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.
