A dedicated ESPNHS POY team managed the Gatorade State Football Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the awards program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character. For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Football Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Dorial Green-Beckham
THE BASICS: Anatomy of a POY
School: Hillcrest (Springfield, Mo.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 225 pounds
THE PILLARS: Gatorade criteria
Athletic achievement: Green-Beckham hauled in 119 receptions for a state-record 2,233 yards and 24 touchdowns this past season, leading the Hornets (11-2) to the Class 4 state quarterfinals. The state’s returning Gatorade Football Player of the Year, he concluded his career with a national prep record 6,356 career receiving yards. Also the 2009-10 Gatorade Missouri Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year, Green-Beckham set state records in single-game receiving yards (354), single-season receiving yards (2,233) and career touchdown catches (72). His single-season receiving yards mark ranks fourth in national prep history.
Academic excellence: Also a basketball and track standout, Green-Beckham has maintained a B average in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Green-Beckham has volunteered locally as a youth mentor and elementary school motivational speaker and as part of multiple community service initiatives in association with his church youth group.
THE PRAISE: Chris Shields, head coach of rival Joplin (Mo.)
“This was my first year in the conference and thankfully the last time that I will have to coach against Dorial Green-Beckham. He is an outstanding player -- the best high school wide receiver that I have ever personally seen -- and he displayed nothing but good sportsmanship against us when we hosted his team.”
THE FUTURE: Collegiate destination
Green-Beckham remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
THE FEATURE: ESPNHS Magazine
"Dorial Green-Beckham may be most dynamic athlete in the country"