DENTON, Texas — Denton Guyer quarterback Jackson Arnold has been named the 2022-23 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year.
Arnold was surprised with the award announcement by 11-time NFL Pro-Bowler and former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. The senior quarterback was selected for the award for his performance on the field, but also his work off the field.
On the gridiron, Arnold led the Wildcats to a 14-1 record and a berth in the 6A-Division II semifinals. He completed 231 of 336 pass attempts (69%) for 3,476 yards and 33 touchdowns with only three interceptions.
“This 2023 class is the ‘year of the quarterback,’ and there are likely five signal-callers rated among the Top 15 prospects in the country,” said Greg Biggins, national recruiting analyst for 247 Sports. “Arnold is in that group and easily among the nation’s best. He has the kind of skill set that should make every Oklahoma fan very excited, and it wouldn’t shock us if he sees the field sooner than later. He has a live, accurate arm and can put the ball anywhere he wants. He’s also a very capable runner and can stress a defense with his arm or his legs. He’s a tough kid who will stand in and take a shot and never shies away from contact. He’s also a natural leader—a winner. And when you combine his on-the-field prowess with his high-end academic background, he is a very deserving choice for this honor.”
Off the field, Arnold maintained a 4.5 weighted GPA, served as a classroom aide to a math teacher as a senior, and for the past three-and-a-half years, has been a member and officer in the Texas Young Men’s Service League, Lantana Chapter, which offers opportunities for mothers and sons to perform community service and philanthropic work.
Gatorade selected Arnold over finalists Texas Longhorns commit Arch Manning and USC commit Malachi Nelson. Arnold joins previous Texas winners such as Kyler Murray, Johnathan Gray and Garrett Gilbert.
Arnold signed his letter of intent to play football for the University of Oklahoma.
More Texas headlines: