Maple Grove Running Back Nominated For ‘Mr. Football’ Award

MAPLE GROVE, MN — Maple Grove’s Derrick Jameson is among 10 nominees to be named Minnesota’s best football player after leading the Crimson to its first-ever Class 6A state championship game.

The senior running back racked up 1,591 rushing yards and scored 23 rushing touchdowns during his final season with the team, averaging more than nine yards per carry, according to statistics on MN Football Hub.

Jameson also returned three punts for touchdowns this season and has one receiving touchdown and 193 receiving yards, his statistics show.

Maple Grove Falls To Lakeville South In Class 6A State Title Game

Jameson’s success running the ball in 2021 fueled Maple Grove’s run to the Class 6A state championship game, which it lost 13-7 to Lakeville South on Friday night. Maple Grove finished the 2021 season with an 11-2 record.

The Mr. Football award is given each year to the state's best senior football player by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association. This year’s award is set to be handed out Dec. 5.

2021 Mr. Football nominees

• Derrick Jameson, Maple Grove running back
• Jack Boyle, Chaska running back
• T.J. Chiabotti, North Woods running back/linebacker
• Connor Develice, Andover quarterback
• Eli Gillman, Dassel-Cokato running back/cornerback
• Ryan Haley, Mankato West running back/linebacker
• Lucas Heyer, Hill-Murray offensive/defensive lineman
• Kristen Hoskins, Alexandria wide receiver/running back
• Emmett Johnson, Holy Angels running back/safety
• Drew Kittleson, Blooming Prairie quarterback/cornerback

Rosemount’s Jake Ratzlaff was named Mr. Football in 2020 after also earning the Associated Press Player of the Year award.