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.
Gideon Davidson of
Liberty Christian (Lynchburg) is the 2023 MaxPreps Virginia High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 195-pound junior running back led the Bulldogs to a 14-0 record and VHSL Class 3 state title.
For the season, Davidson ran for 2,752 yards and 43 touchdowns. He also had two TD catches and a punt return score, reaching the end zone in all 14 games and topping the 100-yard mark 12 times. He was named the Offensive Player of the Year of Class 3 and was also a first team selection on defense as a defensive back.
In a 28-14 win over Lafayette (Williamsburg) in the state
championship game, Davidson ran 22 times for 302 yards and three
touchdowns. He also had seven tackles and two interceptions on defense,
leading Liberty Christian to its first state title. The Bulldogs went the entire season without trailing at any point.
Davidson posted a season-high 359 yards and six touchdowns on 16 carries in a 63-14 win over Turner Ashby (Bridgewater) in the quarterfinals.
Regarded as one of the top running back prospects in the Class of 2025 by
247Sports, Davidson committed to Clemson in June.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Virginia Players of the Year
2021 — Zach Rice, OL, Liberty Christian (Lynchburg)
2022 — Tristan Evans, QB, Freedom (Woodbridge)
