Vote: Who should be The Sporting News Minnesota high school player of the year?

Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 0:10 GMT by Sporting News
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The Sporting News has opened a nationwide poll asking fans, coaches, and players to name the top Minnesota high‑school football talent of the 2024 season. The “Sporting News Minnesota High‑School Player of the Year” voting deadline is set for April 15, and the winner will receive a commemorative plaque, a feature in the next issue of the magazine, and a scholarship package from the Sporting News Foundation.

Nominees and their credentials

The five finalists have been selected by a panel of college recruiters, state‑level coaches, and former NFL players. Each player has earned recognition for outstanding individual performance, leadership, and contribution to their team’s success.

#	Player	School	Position	Season Highlights
1	Jace Thompson	St. Paul Central	Quarterback	Threw for 3,200 yards, 35 touchdowns, 3 interceptions; led the team to a 12‑2 record and a berth in the Class 4A state title game. Named First‑Team All‑State by the Minnesota High School Coaches Association.
2	Calvin “Cal” Ruiz	Ferguson High	Running Back	Rushed for 1,800 yards and 28 touchdowns on 220 carries; added 600 receiving yards. Named Offensive Player of the Year by the Metro League.
3	Lena “Lena” Hayes	Maple Grove Prep	Defensive End	Recorded 35 tackles, 12 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Helped the team achieve a 10‑1 record and a spot in the state playoffs. Awarded Defensive MVP at the Minnesota Football Coaches Association awards banquet.
4	Tyler “T‑Big” Johnson	St. Cloud Tech	Wide Receiver	Caught 75 passes for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns. Led the state in receiving yards per game. Twice earned First‑Team All‑District honors.
5	Maya “Maya‑M” Lopez	Eastview High	Linebacker	45 tackles, 9 sacks, and 4 interceptions. Named Team Captain and Player of the Year by the school’s football staff.

Individual player stories

Jace Thompson has been a dominant play‑maker since his sophomore year, drawing attention from top college programs across the country. In addition to his on‑field excellence, Thompson has shown a commitment to community service, volunteering at the St. Paul Youth Center and mentoring younger teammates.

Cal Ruiz’s explosive power has turned him into a threat in every offensive scheme. He grew up in a family of athletes and credits his older brother’s guidance for his disciplined work ethic. “Every game, I try to be the best for my teammates,” Ruiz said during a local news interview.

Lena Hayes made headlines last season when she forced a fumble on a critical fourth‑down play, giving her team a chance to score the winning touchdown. A graduate of the same school as former NFL defensive end J.D. Sokol, she has been vocal about her ambitions to play at the collegiate level.

Ty Johnson’s speed and agility earned him the nickname “T‑Big” from his coaches, who praise his consistency. Johnson’s offseason training included a rigorous strength regimen designed to improve his explosiveness and reaction time.

Maya Lopez’s versatility on the field has made her a dual threat. In addition to defensive statistics, she occasionally lines up on offense during trick plays. Lopez has also balanced academics and athletics, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while playing varsity football.

Why the award matters

The Sporting News Player‑of‑the‑Year award is more than an honor; it can impact a player’s recruiting trajectory. The award’s visibility often translates into scholarship offers from NCAA Division I programs. Several past recipients, such as 2017’s MVP T.J. Smith of Saint Paul‑West, went on to star for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and later play in the NFL.

Voting details

To vote, supporters must log in to the Sporting News website with a valid email address and answer a series of short questions about each nominee. The voting system assigns weighted points based on the player’s statistical output, leadership qualities, and contribution to team success. The top score after the deadline will be announced during the Sporting News’ “High‑School Spotlight” television segment on April 20, followed by a press conference at the Minneapolis Sports Hall of Fame.

Fans can view the full player profiles and highlight reels on the Sporting News’ “Minnesota High‑School Football” portal, which includes links to each player’s high‑school athletic department page, local news coverage, and college recruitment updates. The portal also offers a forum where community members can discuss each candidate’s strengths and potential future in the sport.

Conclusion

As the voting window opens, the conversation across Minnesota high‑school football communities has turned into a spirited debate. Whether you are a seasoned coach, a high‑school parent, or a college‑bound athlete, the Sporting News Minnesota Player‑of‑the‑Year poll invites you to recognize and celebrate the hard work of the state’s most outstanding football talent. Cast your vote before April 15 and help crown the player who truly deserves the spotlight.

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/football/news/vote-who-should-be-sporting-news-minnesota-high-school-player-year/3307426a366273c741b18df7 ]