Editor's note: This post will be updated each week with new candidates (if there are any). See all 10 candidates below.
Going into Week 7, here are candidates for the SportsDayHS Newcomer/Breakout Player of the Year. These are players who are either in their first season on the varsity or are starting on the varsity for the first time. This listed will be updated each week.
It's not just about statistics. The level of competition faced and a player's performance in the biggest games are also big factors.
VOTE on who you think is the Newcomer/Breakout Player of the Year so far at the bottom of this post.
See our candidates for Midseason Player of the Year and Coach of the Year here.
The front-runners
DeSoto QB Shun'Darion Ward
In his first year as the varsity starter, Ward ranks eighth among all Dallas-area quarterbacks in passing yards, with 1,380. He has completed 68 percent of his passes and thrown 13 touchdown passes and only two interceptions for a 4-1 team.
In a 59-47 win over Waxahachie, Ward completed 33 of 36 passes (91.7 percent) for 451 yards and five touchdowns. Arlington Bowie's Malcolm Mays is the only area player who has thrown for more yards in a game, having passed for 473.
Highland Park QB Chandler Morris
After taking over as the starting quarterback for a team that has won back-to-back Class 5A Division I state championships, Morris has been one of the best players in the area, regardless of position. Morris ranks sixth in the area in passing yards (1,401), is tied for sixth in touchdown passes (16) and has completed 67 percent of his passes for a 5-0 team that is ranked No. 2 in the state in 5A.
Argyle QB Bo Hogeboom
The Houston baseball pledge is in his first year as the varsity starting quarterback and leads area 4A players with 18 touchdown passes. He is averaging 18.5 yards per completion and has thrown for 1,201 yards for undefeated Argyle (5-0), ranked No. 2 in the state.
Hillcrest RB Nasir Reynolds
In his first full season of varsity football after transferring from George Washington High in Danville, Va., the sophomore is the leading rusher in the entire Dallas area. He has run for 1,192 yards and is averaging 198.7 yards per game. He is averaging a staggering 12.7 yards per carry and has run for 12 touchdowns.
Lovejoy FS R.W. Rucker
The sophomore is the starting free safety for a 4-0 team that is ranked No. 8 in the area in 5A. He has 27 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery on defense, and on offense he has run for three touchdowns. Rucker is Lovejoy's backup quarterback, has kicked extra points and field goals, and has handled kickoff duties.
Five others to keep an eye on
Parish Episcopal LB Keegon Addison: The freshman has 47 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and has scored one defensive touchdown for a 5-0 team.
Haltom DB Johnny Smith-Rider: The sophomore safety has 37 tackles, has defending nine passes and has one caused fumble and one fumble recovery for a 5-0 team that is ranked No. 20 in the area in 6A.
Colleyville Heritage CB/WR Issac Shabay: The freshman starts at cornerback for the area's seventh-ranked 5A team and has 22 tackles (19 solo) and two pass breakups. He has also seen time at receiver.
Fort Worth Nolan RB Emeka Megwa: The freshman has rushed for 251 yards and three touchdowns, and he's averaging 5.7 yards per carry for a 5-1 team that is the area's fifth-ranked large private school.
Keller OL Landon Blubaugh: The sophomore right tackle has helped a 4-1 Keller team average 433.2 yards of offense and 41.4 points per game.