Brooker T. Washington is loaded with returning skill players, including (left to right) Treon Harris, Deltron Hopkins, Krondis Larry, Nigel Patten, Tevin Evans.
Photo by Stuart Browning
If not for one loss in 2012, a game which it led much of the way,
Booker T. Washington (Miami) might be the defending national champion.
If it's possible for a defending state champion to have a chip on its shoulder, it would be Booker T. Washington. Florida's defending Class 4A state champion is not even the top-ranked team in its own city.
The Tornadoes are loaded once more in 2013, with 14 returning starters.
In his third year behind center, quarterback
Treon Harris gives the Tornadoes a reliable, proven commodity at the helm of the offense.
Quarterback Treon Harris
Photo by Stuart Browning
He'll have plenty of help, as Booker T. Washington has a strong set of skill players. Receivers
Lamar Parker and
Deltron Hopkins will be tough matchups for any defense, while running backs
Krondis Larry and sophomore
Mark Walton are a tremendous duo in the backfield.
Even without
2012 MaxPreps All-American Denver Kirkland, the offensive line returns three starters and will be another strength of the team.
The defense will be a little less experienced with six returning starters, but no less talented.
Defensive end
Chad Thomas could step up to be the leader of this year's defense, replacing the departed All-American Matthew Thomas.
Terry Jefferson will also help to fill his shoes.
The secondary will be led by
Nigel Patten, a cornerback with multiple offers. Only a junior,
Catravis Hudson earned experience playing as a sophomore last year.
James King, a 6-foot-2 linebacker, transferred in this spring and could be a difference-maker this fall.
Local look: "While there may not be a Matthew Thomas or Denver Kirkland lurking around this year, they will still have guys that will get the job done, including quarterback Treon Harris. No team should under estimate just what the Tornadoes can do. Even No. 2 Miami Central should not take its crosstown rival lightly as Washington will be looking to avenge last year's 37-26 loss to the Rockets. Expect the Tornadoes to likely make it back to Orlando for a third year in a row come early December."
- Joshua Wilson, FloridaHSFootball.com
