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.
Da'Jaun Riggs of
St. John's is the 2023 MaxPreps District of Columbia High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior running back led the Cadets to a WCAC semifinal appearance.
For the season, Riggs totaled 1,184 yards and accounted for 10 touchdowns. He led the Cadets in rushing and receiving in addition to passing for over 100 yards and two scores.
St. John's played against four teams that appeared in the MaxPreps Top 25 this season. Riggs ran 18 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns in a season-opening win against Florida power American Heritage (Plantation).
Three weeks later in a 39-17 win over Mission Viejo (Calif.), Riggs ran for 127 yards and a touchdown. Against nationally-ranked Good Counsel (Olney, Md.), he filled in at quarterback and completed 7 of 14 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown to go with 16 carries for 131 yards.
Riggs helped the Cadets win a WCAC title as a junior accounting for over 1,100 total yards and 17 touchdowns. He was a first team All-WCAC selection and committed to Oregon last July.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps District of Columbia Players of the Year
2021 — Jamar Curtis, RB, St. John's
2022 — David Ojiegbe, EDGE, St. John's
