Souhegan's Bright named the 1st Yukica Football Player of the Year

JJ Bright has been named Thursday as the inaugural Yukica Player of the Year as the top high school football player from New Hampshire.

Bright, a senior from Souhegan High School, finished ahead of two other finalists, Londonderry's Ty Miles and Pinkerton's Caden Michaud, in a vote of NHIAA head coaches and members of the state's football media.

“He’s a one in 10-year player,” Souhegan coach Robin Bowkett said. “It’s not just everything he does with his God-given ability, he’s the hardest-working kid on our team in the weight room, in the offseason, in the classroom. When your better players are also your best humans and your hardest workers that makes for a great football team.

“He’s been a lead-by-example type of kid. Great in the community. Loved by his teammates. Everything he’s gotten he’s earned and is well-deserved.”

The running back/linebacker helped lead the Sabers to an 8-3 record and an appearance in the Division II semifinals.

Bright ran for 1,471 yards and 21 touchdowns this season to go with 18 receptions, 356 yards and three touchdowns. He was also third on the team in tackles.

“I think unquestioned he was the leader of his team over there,” Plymouth coach Chris Sanborn said. “He has great vision. Very powerful. He works hard in the offseason. All these things I know about him. He’s the whole package on offense and because of that probably a little under-appreciated on defense.”