Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen surprised Notre Dame Prep’s (Arizona) Jake Smith with the news that he’s Gatorade’s 2018 National Football Player of the Year. Rosen was on-hand Tuesday to announce that Smith, who helped lead his team to a runner-up finish in Arizona’s 5A classification, had edged out two other finalists announced last week — senior defensive back/wide receiver Derek Stingley Jr. of Dunham School (Louisiana), who has verbally committed to LSU, and junior quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei St. John Bosco (California).
Smith, who is expected to sign with the Texas Longhorns during the early signing period next week, led the state with 39 touchdowns. Smith, who will focus on playing wide receiver in college, played multiple positions in high school, finishing with 5,446 total yards and 72 touchdowns.
