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.
Da'Shawn Womack of
St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) is the 2022 MaxPreps Maryland High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound senior defensive lineman helped the Panthers to a 9-1 record against a challenging national schedule. The program is currently ranked No. 13 in the MaxPreps Top 25.
Womack finished with 48 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, five fumble recoveries and one blocked field goal. He returned one of those fumble recoveries 75 yards for a touchdown in a 22-15 win over Hawaii state champion Kahuku.
In addition to Kahuku, Womack helped St. Frances Academy beat two other teams that won state titles — Dutch Fork (Irmo, S.C.), East St. Louis (Ill.) and Kahuku. Two other opponents are still alive in the postseason — DeSoto (Texas) and Venice (Fla.).
Committed to LSU, Womack is regarded as a top 50 prospect by 247Sports, the No. 1 prospect in Maryland and No. 4 defensive lineman nationally.
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 Maryland Players of the Year2021 – Derrick Moore, DE, St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)
Da'Shawn Womack chases down a ballcarrier during St. Frances Academy's 34-17 win over Venice in September. (Photo: Jeff Robertson)
