The Burlington Free Press has assembled a remarkable roster of Vermont's finest high school football players, and now it's your turn to decide who deserves the top spot. From national champions to record-breakers, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Leading the pack is Burlington's Jeff Hughes, who helped the Nebraska Cornhuskers claim back-to-back national championships in 1970 and 1971. Not far behind is David Ball, who made headlines in 2006 when he shattered Jerry Rice's collegiate touchdown record—a feat that still echoes in football history.
Vermont's gridiron legacy runs deep. BFA-St. Albans' Ollie Dunlap earned his place in the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, while Bob Yates brought home a national title with Syracuse in 1959. Then there's Jake Eaton from Rutland, who stands alone as Vermont's only two-time Gatorade Player of the Year winner as of 2025.
The list also features Joe Shield, who suited up for the Green Bay Packers as a quarterback in the 1985 NFL preseason, and Sean Keenan, the former Mount St. Joseph and Williams College standout widely regarded as one of the best signal-callers in state history. Local legends like Nate Long, Todd Rundle, and Jason Foster round out this impressive lineup, each with their own unforgettable moments on the field.
Whether you remember these players from Friday night lights or their college glory days, this is your chance to crown Vermont's all-time football king. Cast your vote and celebrate the Green Mountain State's rich football tradition.