Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized the
nation's top high school football players at the conclusion of the
season. Past MaxPreps Freshman All-America Team selections include James Cook (2015), Luther
Burden (2018), Julian Lewis (2022), Arch Manning (2019), Micah
Parson (2014), Shedeur Sanders (2017) and Bryce Underwood (2021).
Simpson became the first player from Tennessee to be named the National Freshman of the Year after throwing for 4,135 yards and 57 touchdowns. He completed 75.6 percent of his attempts while only throwing one interception.
McFarland led IMG Academy in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions.
Leutele was an impact player in the secondary for the wire-to-wire No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Top 25. He finished with 22 tackles and tied for the team lead with three interceptions.
Read on for a complete look at the best freshmen in high school football from the 2024 season.
First team offense
MAXPREPS NATIONAL FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 175
Broke the state record with 620 passing yards to go along with eight touchdown passes in a 59-54 win over Covington.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 175
Threw
for 322 yards and two touchdowns in season-ending loss to Mater Dei.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 215
Bruising back emerged early and was a major factor for Gauchos.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185
District Newcomer of the Year rushed for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Height: 5-8 | Weight: 170
Las Vegas native made 36 catches for 574 yards and eight scores for national power.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 170
Turned 32 catches into 11 touchdowns.
Height: 6-1 |
Weight: 175
Son of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison started from day one for Philadelphia power.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 220
Tall, athletic target made 35 catches for 535 yards and five touchdowns.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 295
Paved the way for Servite's ground game against elite Trinity League competition.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 320
Massive tackle was surprisingly agile in pass protection while being a force in the ground game.
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 300
Battle Ground Academy is a program on the rise and Dial is a cornerstone.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 290
Key upfront for 9-3 Orem.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 280
Physically gifted mauler is massive and mobile.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 165
Recorded 30 receptions for 743 yards and seven scores.
First team defense
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
Jumpstarted his legacy with four sacks in state title game against rival Don Bosco Prep.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 265
Tallied 28 tackles and five sacks, backing up the hype that has surrounded him since middle school.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
Notched 66 tackles and seven sacks for state power.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 330
"Bonecrusher" made five tackles and a sack in state championship win.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 225
Highly-touted youth player lived up to the hype and also starred at running back.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 195
IMG Academy transfer made 117 tackles and four sacks, also blocked a punt and made an interception.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200
First team all-state pick made 102 tackles, 23 for which were for a loss.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 175
Son of former Chargers star Eric thrived on both sides of the ball.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 175
Physical defensive back is also electric with the ball in his hands.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 195
Leutele fit in just fine on perhaps the best defensive unit in Mater Dei's storied history.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 160
Long corner made 57 tackles and four interceptions, equally talented at wide receiver.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 240
Massive edge rusher compiled 63 tackles, five sacks and an interception.
Second team offense
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 190
Lawrence balled out for the second consecutive year, amassing 2,665 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 180
Tossed three touchdowns in state title game to lead Cass Tech to Division 1 crown.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
Averaged 14 yards per carry and finished with eight touchdowns.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185
Physical rusher tallied 754 all-purpose yards and figures to be the next blue-chip recruit from Polk County.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 150
Oliver, whose father and grandfather both were star athletes for Arizona State, made 43 receptions for 861 yards and 11 scores.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 170
Explosive playmaker helped Thompson capture a 7A state title.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210
Jumbo athlete did a little bit of everything for New Jersey power.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 235
Versatile lineman has plenty of room to add weight.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 270
Team's only freshman started eight games at left tackle.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 290
Preseason all-region pick lived up to the hype and secured post-season second team all-region honors.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 300
Blocked for five-star signal caller Julian Lewis and held his own against stiff competition.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 290
All-district selection also excels on the hardwood.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 175
Ultra-productive this fall with 68 catches for 1,640 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 205
Talented hooper played defensive end and showed big-play ability for Class 3A semifinalist.
Second team defense
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220
Long, athletic edge rusher flashed for one of the nation's most talent-laden programs.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 230
Nation's leader in sacks among freshmen with 16.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 260
Held his own against elite national competition and could be the next big recruit at Gorman.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 220
Multi-sport star compiled 66 tackles, five sacks and blocked two kicks.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 215
After 92-tackle season as an eighth grader, flashed sky-high potential despite missing time due to injury.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195
Rare Spartan freshman to make impact on varsity accounted for 44 tackles.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 205
Helped Middletown to state title, collecting numerous FBS offers along the way.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225
Productive edge tallied 10 sacks for powerhouse Booker T. Washington.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 155
Athletic enough to thrive in pass coverage, physical enough to have an impact on the run game.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 160
Made 38 tackles and three interceptions while breaking up six passes.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 180
Rangy, lockdown defensive back had quarterbacks looking the other direction.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 160
Made a name for himself in nation's toughest league.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180
Contributed on offense and special teams in addition to his 39 tackles and six interceptions at cornerback.
