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 2024 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.
Dierre Hill Jr. of
Althoff Catholic (Belleville) is the 2024 MaxPreps Illinois High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 190-pound senior running back led the Crusaders to a 14-0 record and Class 1A state title, the school's first since 1990.
Hill led the state with 2,588 rushing yards and
40 touchdowns, eclipsing the 300-yard mark on the ground four times while averaging 16.6 yards per carry. He also had 17 receptions for 383 yards and six more
scores.
Dierre Hill Jr. sprints to the end zone during the Illinois Class 1A state championship game. (Photo: Chris Johns)
In a 57-14 win over Lena-Winslow (Lena) in the championship game, Hill put together a record-breaking performance with 32 carries for 438 yards and six scores to go with an 80-yard touchdown reception. His seven total touchdowns were the most in any state title game and his 438 yards rushing were the second-most regardless of classification.
Hill ran for 318 yards and five touchdowns on just 13 carries in a 58-19 semifinal win over Camp Point Central (Camp Point). In five playoff games he ran 69 times for 1,072 yards and 17 touchdowns. He added three receptions for 123 yards and two more scores.
Over his final two years of high school, Hill rushed for 4,376 yards and 65 touchdowns. He added 26 catches for 546 yards and six more scores.
Hill checks in as the No. 12 running back in the Class of 2025 according to
247Sports. He committed to Oregon in May over 16 other FBS offers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Illinois Players of the Year
2021 — Luther Burden, WR, East St. Louis
2022 — Blainey Dowling, QB, Chicago Mt. Carmel (Chicago)
2023 — Blayne Sisson, QB, Mt. Carmel
