:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44279464/kyler_murray.0.jpg)
Kyler Murray, Texas
Texas A&M QB commit Kyler Murray was named the Gatorade Texas Football Player of the Year for the second-straight season.
The 5-foot-11, 176-pound senior quarterback has led Allen High School to a 13-0 record and a berth in the Class 6A, Division I state quarterfinals, scheduled for Dec. 6. Murray threw for 3,563 yards and 40 touchdowns on 207-of-333 passing (62 percent) through 13 games. A returning First Team All-USA selection as named by USA TODAY, Murray also rushed for 1,291 yards and 25 touchdowns on 114 carries entering the state playoff round of eight.
A 2015 Under Amour All-America Game selection and 2014 Elite 11 quarterback camp finalist, Murray led Allen to back-to-back Class 5A, Division I state titles as a sophomore and junior, capturing state championship game MVP honors each season. He enters the state quarterfinals with a 39-0 record as Allen’s starting quarterback.
Deshawn Capers-Smith, Louisiana
Texas A&M commit Deshawn Capers-Smith, a high school QB who is projected to play cornerback in college, is the first player from Easton to win the award. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior has led the Eagles to the Class 4A state semifinals, where the team is aiming to reach the championship game for the first time since 1958.
Capers-Smith has a 152.9 passer rating, completing 62.6 percent of his passes for 3,722 yards and 45 touchdowns. He has also rushed for a team-high 1,106 yards on 167 carries, with 19 touchdowns.
Christian Kirk, Arizona
Christian Kirk, a 5'11, 195-pound wide receiver target of Texas A&M's recruiting efforts, helped lead Saguaro to a 14-0 record and a second consecutive Division III state championship. Kirk caught 61 passes for 1,187 and 17 touchdowns. He also spent time at running back where he toted the ball 159 times for 1,692 yards and 25 touchdowns.
As a defensive back, Kirk recorded four interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. Kirk also tallied 29 tackles and two blocked field goals. In the return game, he scored touchdowns on a punt and kick return. He leaves Saguaro as Arizona's all-time leader in touchdowns (102), receptions (203), receiving yards (3,943) and receiving touchdowns (52).