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 2025 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.
Corey Sadler Jr. of
Cass Tech (Detroit) is the 2025 MaxPreps Michigan High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior led the Technicians to a 13-1 record and Division I state runner-up finish.
Sadler made a major impact in all three phases of the game and was a dynamic playmaker on offense and special teams. He piled up 2,536 all-purpose yards and 32 touchdowns.
Corey Sadler Jr. joins elite company in being named MaxPreps Michigan Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons. (PHOTO: Scott Hasse)
Offensively, Sadler hauled in 65 receptions for 1,583 yards and 21 touchdowns, adding two scores on the ground to go with a passing touchdown.
Defensively, Sadler posted 87 tackles and three interceptions.
On special teams, he averaged 35.3 yards per punt return and took five back for scores. He also had two kickoff return touchdowns.
In a loss to Central Catholic (Novi) in the state championship game, Sadler had 11 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. He also had seven tackles and a tackle for loss on defense.
One of Sadler's best performances this fall came in a 42-28 win over Saline to advance to the semifinals. He showed his skill set on both sides of the ball finishing with three touchdowns on offense and two interceptions on defense, with one being a pick-six.
Sadler was named the 2024 MaxPreps Michigan High School Football Player of the Year after leading Cass Tech to a Division I state title.
Regarded as one of the top senior prospects in Michigan and top 150 in the country, Sadler committed to North Carolina in August.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Michigan Players of the Year
2020 — Donovan Edwards, RB, West Bloomfield
2021 — Dante Moore, QB, King (Detroit)
2022 — Bryce Underwood, QB, Belleville
2023 — Isaiah Marshall, QB, Southfield A&T (Southfield)
2024 — Corey Sadler Jr., ATH, Cass Tech
