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.
Keelan Smith of
Liberty North (Liberty) is the 2023 MaxPreps Missouri High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior wide receiver led the Eagles to a 13-1 record and Class 6 state championship – the school's first title.
For the season, Smith caught 74 passes for 1,268 yards and 17 touchdowns. In a 38-7 win over Christian Brothers (St. Louis) in the championship game, he had four receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns.
In this September contest against Rockhurst, MaxPreps Missouri Player of the Year Keelan SMith caught 10 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. (Photo: David Smith)
In a 70-31 win over Blue Springs in the second round of the playoffs, Smith hauled in seven receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Against Rockhurst (Kansas City) in September, he had a season-high 10 grabs for 205 yards and two scores.
Smith committed to Nebraska in May. His father Neil Smith played for Kansas City, Denver and San Diego during a 13-year NFL career, winning a Super Bowl with the Broncos. He was the No. 2 pick of the 1988 draft after a standout career at Nebraska.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Missouri Players of the Year
2020 — Devrin Weathers, RB, Webb City
2021 — Kevin Coleman, WR, St. Mary's (St. Louis)
2022 — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Christian Brothers (St. Louis)
