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.
Rueben Bain of
Central (Miami) is the 2022 MaxPreps Florida High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound senior defensive lineman led the Rockets to a 14-0 record, fourth consecutive state title and No. 2 national ranking.
Bain totaled an incredible 32.5 tackles for loss and 29 sacks in leading Miami Central to its first undefeated season in program history.
In a 38-31 win over American Heritage (Plantation) in the Class 2M state championship game, Bain recorded a sack and jumped on a fumble in the final minute to help put things away.
Bain led the Rockets to a 20-14 win over IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) to begin the 2022 season, becoming the first Florida program to knock off the Ascenders since 2013. He finished with six tackles, three sacks and three tackles for loss in that contest – one of six games with at least three sacks.
Regarded as a top 100 prospect nationally by 247Sports, Bain committed to Miami earlier this month.
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 Florida Players of the Year
2020 — J.J. McCarthy, QB, IMG Academy (Bradenton)
2021 — Kenyatta Jackson Jr., DE, Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood)
MaxPreps Florida Player of the Year Ruben Bain led Miami Central to a No. 2 national ranking. (Photo: 247Sports)
