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.
Aaron Hampton of
West Anchorage (Anchorage) is the 2023 MaxPreps Alaska High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior wide receiver and linebacker helped the Eagles go 10-2 and capture the Division I state championship — the school's first since 2015.
Hampton and West Anchorage won their final seven games, including a 34-21 victory over South Anchorage (Anchorage) in the title contest. In his first game playing running back all season, Hampton ran 16 times for 140 yards and a touchdown to go along with a fumble return score in the championship.
For the season, Hampton had 40 receptions for 612 yards and six touchdowns to go with 48 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack and three interceptions on defense.
Regarded as a three-star prospect by
247Sports, Hampton committed to California last week.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Alaska Players of the Year
2020 — Jordan Holland, WR/DB, Bettye Davis East Anchorage (Anchorage)
2021 — Kyler Johnson, QB, Bettye Davis East Anchorage (Anchorage)
2022 — Jack Nash, QB/S, Colony (Palmer)