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.
Brayden Platt of
Yelm is the 2022 MaxPreps Washington High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound junior running back and linebacker helped Yelm go 14-0 and capture the Class 3A state title.
Despite being hampered by an injury late in the season, Platt managed to produce over 1,200 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground while also spearheading a Yelm defense that didn't allow more than 14 points in its first 11 games of the season.
The Tornados were dominant en route to their first state crown in school history, winning by an average margin of 36 points per game. Behind 174 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns from Platt, Yelm knocked off Bellevue in the semifinal then Eastside Catholic in the championship game – a pair of programs that have combined for 14 state titles in the 2000s.
Also a standout discus and javelin thrower, Platt is regarded as a top 100 prospect in the Class of 2024 by 247Sports. He has already received 10 scholarship offers, including Michigan, Oregon and Washington.
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 Washington Players of the Year2021 – Joshua Wood, QB, Graham-Kapowsin (Graham)
Washington MaxPreps POY Brayden Platt in action during the Class 3A state semifinal victory over Bellevue. (Photo: Steve Faber)
