Congratulations to the Maxpreps.com National Player of the Year, Dillon Baxter (Mission Bay High School, San Diego, CA). Earlier in the season, College Level Athletes had a chance to witness Baxter's abilities up close and personal against Point Loma High School. What impressed us most in regards to Baxter was his field vision and explosiveness, which allowed him to shatter several California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) football records in the process.

According the Maxpreps.com writer Bill Dickens, Baxter "accounted for a state-record 76 touchdowns for the 13-0 Mission Bay Buccaneers. Playing primarily quarterback, he rushed 261 times for 2,974 yards and 50 touchdowns, setting a section record for yardage. He was pin-point accurate throwing the ball, completing 102 of 166 passes for 1,736 yards and 25 touchdowns."

Also taking notice on the sideline vs. Point Loma (10.16.2009) was Buffalo Bills defensive end and Mission Bay High School Alumni Marcus Smith (Class of 2002). In reference to Baxter, Smith told College Level Athletes that, "I heard through the grape vine that Dillon Baxter was pretty good, so I decided I had free weekend to come check him out, and he didn't disappoint at all." Disappoint, Baxter definitely did not. Baxter's knack for consistency was what set him apart from every other high school football player on the field this season.

Though Baxter does not possess the breakaway speed like former San Diego area superstar Reggie Bush, his ability to make players miss was unlike that of any other high school football player I have ever seen. Baxter was clocked at a 4.5 in the forty yard dash, however, anyone who knows football can tell the difference between speed and "game speed." Baxter made even the quickest players grasp for air each time he touched the ball this season, and while playing quarterback out of the "wildcat" formation, it was no surprise where the ball was going to end up on every down. When asked about his plans for the remainder of the season, Baxter's prediction was dead on. "I plan on going to CIF and winning," said Baxter after Mission Bay's victory over Point Loma.

Even though Dillon Baxter posted incredible numbers this season, it was nevertheless difficult to earn the respect of other high profile football regions across the country. Many questioned the talent level of the San Diego region, to Baxter's dismay. "I feel that San Diego is on a rise and think we're gonna keep on a rise," Baxter told College Level Athletes after the game. Baxter proved worthy of National recognition this season, and was also selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Now that Pete Carroll looks to be headed to the Seattle Seahawks, it remains a mystery whether or not the USC Trojans are going to land the top high school football player in the nation. "Baxter said his dream was to play for Carroll at USC. He said he was now open to talking to any university or any coach. He said his high school coach already had been flooded with calls from colleges like Florida, Oregon, Tennessee, UCLA and Arizona," reported the San Diego Tribune.

Any school that lands Dillon Baxter in this recently wide open recruiting process is going to be ecstatic. Congratulations to the U.S. Army and Maxpreps.com National Player of the Year, Dillon Baxter.