A quarterback, running back and offensive tackle are finalists for the 2024 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Award.
The finalists in alphabetical order are:
Jackson Cantwell, OT – Nixa HS (Missouri)
Cantwell, a junior left tackle from Nixa, is considered the Nol. 1 recruit in the Class of 2026 with a 4.0 GPA. Friday, Nixa finished runner-up in Missouri biggest classification. The Eagles entered the game ranked No. 226 in the High School Football America 300 national rankings, powered by NFL Play Football.
Alvin Henderson, RB – Elba HS (Alabama)
Henderson, who will play his college football at Auburn, leaves high school as Alabama’s all-time leading rusher with 10,766 yards and 193 touchdowns. He holds 12 Alabama state records, including yards per carry, season rushing yards, and touchdowns per season
Keelon Russell, QB – Duncanville HS (Texas)
Russell signed earlier this week with the University of Alabama. His team is currently ranked No. 4 in the HSFA 300 national rankings. Duncanville is seeking its third straight Texas Class 6A Division I state title. Last summer, Russell was named the Elite 11 MVP.
Since 1985, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has been recognizing the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on and off the field.
The winner of the Player of the Year Award will be announced later this month.
