Bell County's Daniel Thomas is KY's 2023 Mr. Football

[DevilMayCare]

Hard to argue against it after the season he had. The yards and touchdowns are both state records and he carried the Bobcats to the state finals. Congratulations to Daniel on the well deserved recognition. 

Daniel Thomas (RB/LB, Bell County)

2023 Season: 400 carries for 3,817 yards and 54 touchdowns | 94 tackles | 1 sack | 1 scoop and score

[DevilMayCare]

Here are the eight finalists he beat out for the award:

Avery Bodner (RB/DB, Boyle County)

2023 Season: 151 carries for 1,274 yards and 22 touchdowns | 378 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns | 87 tackles | 15 TFL | 7 sacks | 1 interception | 2 fumbles forced and 2 recovered, including a scoop and score

 

Cutter Boley (QB, Lexington Christian Academy)

2023 Season: 172/268 for 2,187 yards and 24 touchdowns with 9 interceptions | 5 rushing touchdowns

 

Zane Cartwright (QB, Mayfield)

2023 Season: 149/207 for 2,452 yards and 33 touchdowns with 2 interceptions | 158 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns

 

Sage Dawson (QB/DB, Boyle County)

2023 Season: 137/194 for 2,509 yards and 29 touchdowns with 5 interceptions | 385 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns | 2 fumbles forced and 1 recovered for a scoop and score 

 

Max Gainey (WR, Male)

2023 Season: 57 receptions for 1,019 yards and 20 touchdowns | 2 rushing touchdowns | 3 kick return touchdowns

 

Brady Hensley (RB, Lexington Christian Academy)

2023 Season: 235 carries for 2,408 yards and 43 touchdowns | 213 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns

 

Cole Hodge (QB, Christian Academy of Louisville)

2023 Season: 283/380 for 4,104 yards and 57 touchdowns with 7 interceptions | 625 rushing yards and 10 touchdown

 

Noah Wallace (RB/LB, Raceland)

2023 Season: 182 carries for 1,198 yards and 15 touchdowns | 1 receiving touchdowns | 82 tackles | 1 sack | 2 interceptions 

 

[theguru]

Congrats Daniel!

Congrats Coach Griffin!

[DevilMayCare]

I think my favorite thing about this, is the timing. The KFCA takes a week to digest everything after the state finals, then votes on a winner.

No more mid to late January Mr. Football announcements. 

[DragonFire]

1 hour ago, DevilMayCare said:

I think my favorite thing about this, is the timing. The KFCA takes a week to digest everything after the state finals, then votes on a winner.

No more mid to late January Mr. Football announcements. 

I was about to say, whoa, in December?!?

[Tigerpride94]

Congrats to Daniel Thomas!

[16thBBall Fan]

Congrats to Mr. Thomas!

[BrosefStalin]

Absolute no brainer! Congrats to DT! 

[Breds82]

Congrats!!! That’s awesome and well deserved and earned. 

[UKBaseball85]

Congrats to this young man! Tremendous player and he deserves the honor. 

[snakesnot_2000]

Sounds deserving!

[theguru]

[Voice of Reason]

Congratulations! 

Post season sealed the deal for Thomas. Averaged 289 yards per game in the playoffs.

[theguru]

From Bell County Football on Facebook.

🏈 Daniel Thomas: Kentucky Mr. Football! 🏆

In a historic season that will be etched in the annals of Kentucky high school football, Daniel Thomas has emerged as the undisputed star, earning the prestigious title of Mr. Kentucky Football. His exceptional performance on the field has not only set three single-season state records but has also propelled the Bobcats to a remarkable 13-2 record and a Class 3A runner-up finish.

Daniel's individual achievements this season are nothing short of extraordinary. His staggering totals of 3,817 rushing yards, 54 rushing touchdowns, and 373 points have rewritten the record books, establishing him as a standout force in Kentucky football history. Carrying the ball 400 times with an impressive average of 9.5 yards per carry, Daniel has showcased a level of skill and determination that is truly commendable.

Beyond his offensive prowess, Daniel has demonstrated versatility as a linebacker, ranking third on the team with 94 tackles (77 solo) and even contributing a touchdown by returning a fumble. His all-around performance underscores not only his athleticism but also his commitment to being an impactful player on both sides of the field.

However, what truly sets Daniel Thomas apart is not just his individual accomplishments but his unwavering leadership both on and off the field. His ability to inspire and motivate his teammates has been a driving force behind the Bobcats' success this season. Despite the individual accolades, Daniel remains humble, attributing his achievements to the collective effort of the entire team.

In his own words, "While this award may bear my name, it belongs to each and every member of the team. Without their dedication, support, and hard work, none of this would have been possible."

Congratulations, Daniel Thomas, on this well-deserved recognition! Your historic achievements this season have not only set a high standard for future players but have also left an indelible mark on the legacy of Kentucky high school football. Your leadership, skill, and sportsmanship serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the state. Well done!

Thanks to all of the coaches who voted for Daniel to win this award! We appreciate each and every one of you!

[theguru]

Photo Credit to Mountain Top Sports on Facebook.