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.
Josh Ringer of
East Central (St. Leon) is the 2023 MaxPreps Indiana High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior running back led the Trojans to a 15-0 record and second straight Class 4A state title, becoming the first public school to repeat in that classification.
In a 42-14 win over NorthWood (Nappanee) in the state championship game, Ringer capped a record-breaking campaign with 251 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries.
MaxPreps Indiana Player of the Year Josh Ringer got his season started with 160 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-7 win at Lawrenceburg. (Photo: Michael Noyes)
Ringer led the state in rushing and broke the school record with 2,880 yards and 55 touchdowns. He also had 13 receptions for 278 yards and five more scores. He rushed for over 100 yards and had at least two touchdowns in all 15 games while topping the 200-yard mark six times.
In a 56-20 win over Martinsville in October, Ringer rushed for a season-high 325 yards and seven touchdowns on 24 carries. Against Ohio powerhouse Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati) in September, he had 26 carries for 246 yards and three touchdowns to go with two receptions for 38 yards and another score in leading East Central to a 38-28 win.
Ringer ran for 1,195 yards and 22 touchdowns in six playoff games, helping East Central close out a season where it won every game by at least 10 points and outscored opponents 740-97.
Committed to Miami (Ohio), Ringer finished his career No. 14 all-time on the state's career rushing list with 6,640 yards.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Indiana Players of the Year
2020 — Carson Steele, RB, Center Grove (Greenwood)
2021 — Brady Allen, QB, Gibson Southern (Fort Branch)
2022 — Drayk Bowen, LB/RB, Andrean (Merrillville)
