2023 Player Of The Year Finalists

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 football season is in the books and throughout the last few weeks, we've been taking a look back at some of our favorite moments and some of the top storylines in Oklahoma. Today, it's time to take a look at the best of the best in Oklahoma with our ten finalists for 2023 PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year. Finalists are decided based on several factors, including overall production, impact on the game and much more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the fourth season for Prep Redzone Oklahoma and this is our breakdown on the ten finalists, as well as a look back at the previous finalists and the winners. The winner of this year's award will be announced on January 8th! Stay locked in to Prep Redzone Oklahoma for that announcement, as well as a post coming tomorrow where you can vote for your pick for PRZ-Oklahoma Fan's Choice Player Of The Year. We'll also have All State Teams and several other individual spotlights!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["207182"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 159-240 | 3,144 Yards | 35 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e138 Carries | 1,490 Yards | 30 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnHeritage Hall senior and Oklahoma signee [player_tooltip player_id='207182' first='Andy' last='Bass'] made it very clear early on this season that he was one of Oklahoma's best football players. He helped guide the Chargers back to the Class 3A state championship game to defend their 2022 title. Unfortunately, Bass would go down with a torn ACL early on in the second half and that deflated their attempt at a second straight title. Bass would still have a very memorable season with over 4,500 yards of total offense and 66 touchdowns. He threw for over 3,100 yards and 35 touchdowns and he also added nearly 1,500 yards and 30 touchdowns on the ground. Every time we saw Bass in person, he was absolutely unstoppable. Even in the state title game, he was dominating with 300 yards of total offense and all four Heritage Hall touchdowns before his knee ultimately gave out. Bass was really good as a junior but he elevated his game to becoming one of Oklahoma's best overall players during his senior season.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["897801"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 156-261 | 2,518 Yards | 29 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e227 Carries | 2,207 Yards | 38 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnVictory Christian senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='897801' first='Ayden' last='Hamilton'] took over the QB1 position during the 2022 season and he never gave it up. Hamilton then took his game to a completely new level in 2023 and it's been amazing to see his development as a quarterback considering he didn't start his high school career at Victory or as a quarterback. Hamilton had a 2023 season to remember with numbers that we simply don't see very often. The Victory Christian signal caller threw for over 2,500 yards and 29 touchdowns and also added just over 2,200 yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground. Seeing a quarterback throw for over 2,000 yards and run for over 2,000 yards in the same season doesn't come along every year. We call it the u00222K2K clubu0022 and the last time that happened (that we know of) was in 2020 with Bishop McGuinness quarterback Luke Tarman and he was a finalist that season. Hamilton helped guide the Conquerors to ten wins and a Class 2A quarterfinal appearance.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["188013"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 251 Carries | 2,208 Yards | 28 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e13 Catches | 80 Yards | 1 Touchdownu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnEdmond Santa Fe junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='188013' first='Demarius' last='Robinson'] returned with a vengeance in 2023. He missed the majority of his sophomore season with an injury and the Wolves struggled to a rare 1-9 season. With Robinson back in the lineup, they made noise instantly, beating Jenks in the season opener on the road. They would go 7-4 on the year and made it back to the playoffs. Robinson finished the year as one of, if not the very best running back in the state when you look at the numbers. Against the state's highest competition week after week, Robinson produced. He had just over 2,200 yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground. And for four weeks straight, he was absolutely unstoppable. Robinson had a stretch from week four to week seven, where he ran for just over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns. That's a great season for a lot of players and Robinson did that in four weeks. You can definitely make an easy argument that there wasn't a better running back better during that time.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["211556"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 171-253 | 3,249 Yards | 32 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e137 Carries | 947 Yards | 20 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnMuskogee junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='211556' first='Jamarian' last='Ficklin'] came into this season with a simple goal and that was to bring a state championship to Muskogee. Ficklin accomplished that and made a statement that he might be the best quarterback in the state of Oklahoma. Ficklin threw for over 3,200 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also added nearly 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. It had been nearly four decades since Muskogee had won a state championship. Ficklin led an offense that was one of the best in the state and he elevated his game to new heights in some of their toughest games. In the state championship win over Stillwater, Ficklin was unstoppable on the ground. It's been well documented on this website how special the state's 2025 quarterback class is. Ficklin certainly belongs in the conversation for the top spot. He is a truly special talent and this season, he wasn't just one of the state's best quarterbacks, he was one of the best overall players.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["379243"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 209-315 | 3,616 Yards | 49 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e116 Carries | 987 Yards | 18 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnFairview junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='379243' first='Jax' last='Bernard'] and the Yellowjackets came into this season with a target on them as defending champs and they didn't shy away from that. Barnard and Fairview capped off another 15-0 season with a second consecutive state championship game. Bernard also elevated his game to new heights this season. After being more of a game manager last season on a team full of seniors, Bernard took over this Fairview offense and put up monster numbers. Bernard threw for over 3,600 yards and 49 touchdowns and was one of the state's top passers. But he wasn't done there. He also ran for nearly 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. At times, he seemed unstoppable in the state championship win over Hooker earlier this month. Bernard came into this season as a quarterback to watch in the state's loaded 2025 class. But after the growth and production he showed throughout the 2023 season, he definitely belongs in the conversation with the best of the group.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["386581"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 143-192 | 2,729 Yards | 31 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e121 Carries | 1,261 Yards | 24 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e82 Tackles | 3 Interceptions (3 TD Returns) | 3 Punt Return Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnFor the second straight season, Hominy standout [player_tooltip player_id='386581' first='Jaxon' last='Woods'] finds himself as a finalist for PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year. Woods was dominant last season and he elevated his game as a senior. Woods threw for over 2,700 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also ran for over 1,200 yards and 24 touchdowns. He then turned around and finished with 82 tackles and three interceptions on defense. He took all three interceptions back for scores. Woods was also Hominy's primary threat as a punt returner and he scored on three punt returns this season. Woods was hands down one of the best players in the state, regardless of class. Last season, Woods was one of the state's best and nothing has changed over the last 12 months. We got a chance to see the Hominy standout in person earlier this season, in their toughest game of the year against Woodland. He showcased his clutch gene and we were even more convinced that he was among the best in the state.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["110743"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 1,610 All Purpose Yards, 19 Total Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e3 Interceptionsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnFor the fourth consecutive season, the Bixby Spartans have a finalist for PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year. This year, it's senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='110743' first='Kordell' last='Gouldsby'] and he was routinely the best player on the football field on a team that was the most dominant squad in the state. The Spartans won a sixth consecutive state title and Gouldsby saved his best performance for his last game in the Bixby uniform. He totaled over 300 all purpose yards and five touchdowns. This season, he finished with just over 1,600 all purpose yards and accounted for 19 total touchdowns and had three interceptions on defense. Whether it was offense, defense or special teams, Gouldsby was absolutely electric every time he had the football. With Bixby's level of dominance over the last few years, it's become common that their players don't have the eye-popping stats that others have. The starters rarely play in the third and fourth quarters. But Gouldsby was without a doubt one of the best in the state.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["215200"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 72 Catches | 1,426 Yards | 20 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e85 Tackles | 8 Interceptions (4 TD Returns) 2 Forced Fumbles | 1 Fumble Recoveryu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e4 Punt Return Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnDel City senior and Oklahoma State signee [player_tooltip player_id='215200' first='Ladainian' last='Fields'] has been considered one of the better players in the state since a breakout sophomore season in 2021. But this season, Fields checked every single box and was one of the more dominant players in the state in all three phases of the game. On offense, Fields was the leading wide receiver of a high-powered offense. He finished with over 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns on 72 catches. On defense, the Eagles were dominant as well and Fields finished the year with 85 tackles and eight interceptions, four of which he took back for scores. Fields also was Del City's top threats in the return game and he had four punt returns for scores. He was a complete player and the most dominant player on the field at all times. Any time Fields had the ball in his hands, he was a threat to score and it didn't matter if it was offense, defense or special teams. Fields helped lead the Eagles to a memorable season that ended in the title game.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["215208"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 136-200 | 2,741 Yards | 34 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e49 Carries | 486 Yards | 5 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnWashington senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='215208' first='Major' last='Cantrell'] is one of the more successful starting quarterbacks in Oklahoma this season. When you look at his career, it's hard to argue that he's one of the winningest quarterbacks that we saw this season. Cantrell helped guide the Warriors to a second consecutive state championship and the Warriors capped off a perfect 15-0 season for the second straight year. Cantrell finished this season with over 2,700 yards passing and 34 touchdowns. He also added nearly 500 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. It's not necessarily just the stats that earned Cantrell a spot on this breakdown. He finished his career with a 44-1 record as QB1 of the Warriors. He made it to the state title game every year as the starter and was a critical part of a senior class that is leaving a lasting legacy at Washington. Earlier this month, Cantrell made another visit to Iowa State and would announce his commitment to the Cyclones shortly after that trip.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["360239"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003cstrongu003eSTATS: 229 Carries | 1,789 Yards | 34 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e12 Catches | 126 Yards | 2 Touchdownsu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnCarl Albert senior running back and Oklahoma signee [player_tooltip player_id='360239' first='Xavier' last='Robinson'] ran away with the 2022 PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year award last year. This season, all eyes were on Robinson and the Titans and they exceeded all preseason expectations. Robinson helped lead Carl Albert to a perfect 14-0 season and a second consecutive state championship. Robinson and the Titans got everyone's best shot week after week and they came out on top each time. On the season, Robinson ran for nearly 1,800 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also added over 100 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Last season, Robinson was easily the best player in Oklahoma. He put up some numbers that might not ever be replicated at Carl Albert. This season, Robinson had more help around him and he didn't have to play Superman every single week. Despite that, Robinson was still a touchdown machine throughout the season and he's had 73 rushing touchdowns in the last two years.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658afbde6ae43"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2022 PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>PLAYER</strong></td><td><strong>POSITION</strong></td><td><strong>SCHOOL</strong></td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='353410' first='Caden' last='Knighten']</td><td>Running Back</td><td>Wynnewood</td></tr><tr><td>Camden Crooks</td><td>Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</td><td>Cushing</td></tr><tr><td>Casmen Hill</td><td>Running Back</td><td>Chandler</td></tr><tr><td>Connor Kirby</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Bixby</td></tr><tr><td>Emmanuel Crawford</td><td>Running Back</td><td>Grove</td></tr><tr><td>Gage Gundy</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Stillwater</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='386581' first='Jaxon' last='Woods']</td><td>Quarterback/Defensive Back</td><td>Hominy</td></tr><tr><td>Kirk Francis</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Metro Christian</td></tr><tr><td>River Faulkner</td><td>Running Back/Linebacker</td><td>Heritage Hall</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='360239' first='Xavier' last='Robinson'] (Winner)</strong></td><td><strong>Running Back</strong></td><td><strong>Carl Albert</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2021 PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>PLAYER</strong></td><td><strong>POSITION</strong></td><td><strong>SCHOOL</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Ben Harman</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Cashion</td></tr><tr><td>Braylin Presley</td><td>Running Back</td><td>Bixby</td></tr><tr><td>Caden Powell</td><td>Quarterback/Linebacker</td><td>Clinton</td></tr><tr><td>Camden Crooks</td><td>Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</td><td>Cushing</td></tr><tr><td>Chance Wilson</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Rejoice Christian</td></tr><tr><td>Emmanuel Crawford</td><td>Running Back</td><td>Grove</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Erik McCarty (Winner)</strong></td><td><strong>Running Back/Defensive Back</strong></td><td><strong>McAlester</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Gavin Freeman</td><td>Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</td><td>Heritage Hall</td></tr><tr><td>Jace Gilbert</td><td>Quarterback/Kicker</td><td>Marlow</td></tr><tr><td>Max Brown</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Lincoln Christian</td></tr><tr><td>Zane Woodham</td><td>Running Back/Linebacker</td><td>Holland Hall</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2020 PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>PLAYER</strong></td><td><strong>POSITION</strong></td><td><strong>SCHOOL</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Andrew Carney</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Collinsville</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Braylin Presley (Winner)</strong></td><td><strong>Running Back</strong></td><td><strong>Bixby</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Bryce Drummond</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Pawhuska</td></tr><tr><td>Caden Harrell</td><td>Running Back/Linebacker</td><td>Cashion</td></tr><tr><td>Camden Crooks</td><td>Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</td><td>Cushing</td></tr><tr><td>Carson May</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Jones</td></tr><tr><td>Jayden Patrick</td><td>Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</td><td>Jenks</td></tr><tr><td>Luke Tarman</td><td>Quarterback</td><td>Bishop McGuinness</td></tr><tr><td>Owen Ostroski</td><td>Defensive Lineman</td><td>Holland Hall</td></tr><tr><td>Qwontrel Walker</td><td>Running Back</td><td>Stillwater</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table -->