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.
Peter Woods of
Thompson (Alabaster) is the 2022 MaxPreps Alabama High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive lineman led the Warriors to their fourth consecutive 7A state title.
Woods recorded nearly 90 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and eight sacks while commanding double teams throughout his senior campaign. Thompson began the season 0-2 but thanks in part to Woods' leadership, the Warriors won 11 of their next 12.
In the state semifinals, Woods helped Thompson avenge a regular-season loss to Hoover by tallying eight tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks as the Warriors rolled 40-10.
Woods ended his high school career with over 260 tackles, 72 tackles for loss and 29.5 sacks. Thompson went 50-5 over the last four years and became the first school to win four consecutive state titles in Alabama's largest classification since Hoover did from 2002-05.
Committed to Clemson, Woods was a strong candidate for state POY honors as a junior when he posted 92 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. That award ultimately went to teammate Jeremiah Alexander.
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 Alabama Players of the Year2020 - Ga'Quincy McKinstry, CB/WR, Pinson Valley (Pinson)
2021 - Jeremiah Alexander, DE, Thompson (Alabaster)
Peter Woods will head to Clemson next season as a four-time state champion in Alabama. (Photo: Brandon Sumrall)
