Jackson Arnold, a five-star prospect in OU’s 2023 recruiting class and believe to be the Oklahoma football quarterback of the future has been named the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year.
The Sooners’ top recruit in their top-five 2023 class nationally won the honor over a pair of other highly touted high school quarterbacks in former OU commit and now USC signee Malachi Nelson and Texas signee Arch Manning.
Arnold and his teammates at Denton (Texas) Guyer High School went 28-3 the past two seasons. The dual-threat quarterback prospect threw for more than 7,000 yards and 67 touchdowns with just eight interceptions. He also rushed for 1,580 yards and 36 additional touchdowns.
His senior season this past fall, Arnold collected nearly 3,500 passing yards, rushed for over 900 yards and combined for 57 touchdowns (33 passing and 24 rushing).
Former Dallas Cowboys star tight end Jason Whitten presented the award to Arnold on Thursday.
Denton Guyer quarterback and @OU_Football signee @_JacksonArnold_ was named the @Gatorade National High School Football Player of the Year this morning. #SSoT was there to get his reaction to the prestigious honor. #GatoradePOY #Sooners #BoomerSooner @DentonGuyer_FB pic.twitter.com/oXHqBdNbge
— Sports Stars of Tomorrow (@SportsStarsTV) January 12, 2023
“Incredibly proud of Jackson,” said Sooner head coach Brent Venables is a news release posted on the OU athletic website.
"“Being named national player of the year is obviously quite an honor. But he’s even more impactful and every bit as achieved off the field, as a leader and a person who stands for what’s right.“Couldn’t be more proud of him, and we’re thankful that he chose Oklahoma.”"
Arnold was one of the earliest commits to the Oklahoma 2023 class right after Venables was named head coach.
The Gatorade Player of the Year recognizes athletes not just for their excellence on the football field but for their achievement in the classroom and impact in the community.
Former OU quarterback and Heisman winner Kyler Murray was the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2014. He began his collegiate career at Texas A&M before transferring to Oklahoma after his freshman season.