Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's resource for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2021 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.
Kevin Coleman of
St. Mary's (St. Louis) is the 2021 MaxPreps Missouri High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 170-pound receiver helped the Dragons go 12-1 and capture the Class 3 state football championship.
in a 56-0 win over St. Pius X (Kansas City) in the title game, Coleman carried the football once for 12 yards, returned three punts for 48 yards and caught a pair of passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
During the playoffs, Coleman carried the ball six times for 170 yards and two scores and caught 17 aerials for 581 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged more than 30 yards on 10 punt and kick returns collectively, scoring three times in five games. Missouri's top 2022 recruit according to 247sports.com touched the ball 33 times in postseason play and gained 1,062 yards and scored 16 times.
Coleman reeled in 36 balls for 985 yards and 17 touchdowns on the year. The nation's No. 33 prospect overall also ran the ball 37 times for 435 yards and six scores and returned 21 punts and kickoffs for 573 yards and six scores.
Coleman ran for 181 yards and a score in a 26-21 loss to Naperville Neuqua Valley and caught three balls for 145 yards and two touchdowns in a 55-7 postseason triumph over small school power Valle Catholic. He went over the century mark in receiving yards five times.
Kansas State freshman running back Devrin Weathers was the 2020 MaxPreps Missouri Football Player of the Year after guiding Webb City to the Class 5 semifinals a year ago.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion on the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in early January.
Kevin Coleman, St. Mary's
Photo by David Smith
