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 2023 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.
Jeremy Hecklinski of
Walton (Marietta) is the 2023 MaxPreps Georgia High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 175-pound senior quarterback led the Raiders to a 14-1 record and Class AAAAAAA runner-up finish.
For the season, Hecklinski threw for 3,835 yards and 50 touchdowns against just six interceptions. He finished third in the state in passing yards and second in touchdown passes.
MaxPreps Georgia Player of the Year Jeremy Hecklinksi helped Walton go 24-4 over the past two seasons. (Photo: Cecil Copeland)
In a 56-35 win over Carrollton in the quarterfinals, Hecklinski completed
22 of 24 passes for 370 yards and three touchdowns to go with a rushing
score. A week later in the semifinals, he completed 16 of 23 passes for
321 yards and a season-high six touchdowns in a 41-25 win over Camden
County (Kingsland), securing Walton's first championship game appearance since 2011.
Hecklinski threw for a season-high 373 yards to go with four TDs in a 44-24 win over North Paulding (Dallas) in Sepetember.
As a junior, Hecklinski piled up 3,520 yards and 37 touchdowns while leading the Raiders to the AAAAAAA quarterfinals.
Hecklinski committed to Wake Forest last December over offers from Central Florida, Eastern Kentucky and Georgia Southern.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Georgia Players of the Year
2020 — Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Collins Hill (Suwanee)
2021 — Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Collins Hill (Suwanee)
2022 — Caleb Downs, S, Mill Creek (Hoschton)
