OU football signee Jackson Arnold wins Gatorade National Football Player of the Year

NORMAN — OU football signee Jackson Arnold was named the 2022-23 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year, Gatorade announced Thursday.

Arnold beat out Texas signee Arch Manning and USC signee — and former Sooners' commit — Malachi Nelson for the the honor.

Arnold is the first Gatorade national player of the year to sign with OU out of high school. Kyler Murray, the last Dallas-area player to earn the honor when he did it in 2014, wound up in Norman but began his college career at Texas A&M.

“Incredibly proud of Jackson,” OU head coach Brent Venables said in a release. “Being named national player of the year is obviously quite an honor. But he’s even more impactful and every bit as achieved off the field, as a leader and a person who stands for what’s right. Couldn’t be more proud of him and we’re thankful that he chose Oklahoma. He’s going to lead our 2023 recruiting class into the future, and the best is yet to come for him, no doubt.”

More:Which players have signed to Oklahoma football's 2023 recruiting class?

Arnold, of Denton (Texas) Guyer, was presented the trophy Thursday by former Dallas Cowboys star Jason Witten.

Arnold went 28-3 in two seasons as a starter for Guyer, throwing for more than 7,000 yards and 67 touchdowns with just eight interceptions. He also rushed for 1,580 yards and 36 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

As a senior, he threw for 3,476 yards and 33 touchdowns with three interceptions and rushed for 921 yards and 24 touchdowns.

The award also honors Arnold for his work off the field, which includes graduating with a weighted 4.5 grade-point average as well as serving as vice president of the Texas Young Men's Service League.

“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.”

More:National Signing Day tracker: OU football recruits, announcements, 2023 class ranking

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football: Jackson Arnold is Gatorade National Player of the Year