24. University (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) - Team preview / Preseason photo gallery
Strengths: By season's end last year, there was hardly a better team in Florida than University. Numerous playmakers return from that team, including junior running back
Jordan Scarlett and sophomore receiver
Sam Bruce, whose stock skyrocketed up after his play this spring. Both are among the top players at their position in their respective classes. Additionally, the transfer circuit was kind to the Suns, who picked up quarterback
Sean White, linebacker
Richard Yeargin and three other players.
Question marks: Linebacker Skai Moore was the heart and soul of the defense last year. Even with the arrival of Yeargin, he will be difficult to replace, as will fellow linebackers Nick Internicola and Jalen Battle. Jordan Cunningham, now at Vanderbilt, accounted for more than 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His production will be missed. The secondary showed some holes in the team's spring game and will likely be another area that head coach Roger Harriott keeps his eye on as fall approaches.
Outlook: Opening with a talented Homestead team will be a major challenge for University and could be indicative of the type of season it will have. This season, it will see Manatee, Glades Central and Miami Central in the regular season. There's no doubt it will be battle-tested come playoff time, where it will likely need to get through Booker T. Washington in Class 4A.
