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 2022 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.
Drayk Bowen of
Andrean (Merrillville) is the 2022 MaxPreps Indiana High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior linebacker/running back led the Fighting 59ers to a 10-4 record and an appearance in the Class 2A state championship game.
Bowen finished the season with 144 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, five
sacks and two interceptions. On the offensive side of the ball, he
rushed for 1,784 yards and 26 touchdowns on 242 carries to go with 10
receptions for 228 yards and three scores.
In Andrean's 48-29 win over Bishop Luers in the semifinals, Bowen had 34 carries for 358 yards and five touchdowns while recording 12 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks on defense. It was one of eight games this season the four-star linebacker had at least 10 tackles in a game.
During the five-game playoff run, Bowen had 126 carries for 946 yards and 13 touchdowns to go with 50 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions on defense.
Bowen finished his high school career with 379 tackles, 54 tackles for loss, 16 sacks and five interceptions. He added 424 rushes for 2,969 yards and 34 receptions for 494 yards and 55 total touchdowns on offense.
According to 247Sports, Bowen is the No. 6-rated linebacker in the country and the top-rated prospect in Indiana. He committed to Notre Dame in November 2021 and has the talent to make an immediate impact as a true freshman next fall.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released January 10.
Past MaxPreps Indiana Players of the Year2020 – Carson Steele, RB, Center Grove (Greenwood)
2021 – Brady Allen, QB, Gibson Southern (Fort Branch)
