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 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.
Xavier Nwankpa of
Southeast Polk (Pleasant Hill) is the 2021 MaxPreps Iowa High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior safety/wide receiver helped the Rams go 12-1 and capture the state's Class 5A state title – his school's first.
Nwankpa and Southeast Polk avenged their only loss of the season in the championship game, beating Ankeny 24-7. Nwankpa picked off a pass in the fourth quarter to help shut the door on Ankeny.
For the season, Nwankpa recorded more than 30 tackles and five interceptions defensively while catching 34 passes for 391 yards and five touchdowns. He also returned kicks and punts.
Nwankpa is regarded as one of the top 50 prospects in the country by
247Sports. After receiving over 30 scholarship offers, he is expected to make his college decision in December from a group of schools that includes Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oklahoma among others.
Current Nebraska freshman tight end Thomas Fidone II of
Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) was the 2020 MaxPreps Iowa Player of the Year after catching 43 passes for 845 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping the Titans go 8-2 and reach the Class 3A quarterfinals.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in early January.
