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.
Dane Steel of
Sheridan is the 2023 MaxPreps Wyoming High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior made a huge impact on offense, defense and special teams for the Class 4A state champions. He led the Broncs to a 12-0 record as they won their third consecutive title.
Steel filled the stat sheet in a 31-3 win over East (Cheyenne) in the championship game, hauling in seven receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown to go with 36 yards on the ground. Defensively, he had five tackles, one interception and a forced fumble as the Broncs extended the second-longest win streak in state history to 31 games.
For the season, Steel had 44 receptions for 970 yards and nine touchdowns to go with 44 carries for 368 yards and eight more scores. Defensively, he recorded 35 tackles, six interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and scored two defensive touchdowns. He was dynamic as a return specialist with six punt return touchdowns and a 99-yard kickoff return score.
The versatile playmaker accounted for 1,996 all-purpose yards and 26 total touchdowns, helping Sheridan break the state record of 577 points scored in 2018.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Wyoming Players of the Year
2020 — Graedyn Buell, QB, East (Cheyenne)
2021 — Colson Coon, RB/LB, Sheridan
2022 — Colson Coon, RB/LB, Sheridan
