MaxPreps 2018 preseason high school football All-American teams

Video: MaxPreps Preseason All-American Football Team
Football Editor Zack Poff takes a look at the elite players from across the country.

We are less than a month away from the 2018 high school football season and the last thing to do is to announce our preseason All-American teams.

The Lone Star State leads the way with 13 players selected, while four other states — Alabama, California, Georgia, and Florida — had at least six players represented. Only four schools had multiple selections as IMG Academy leads the way with five. Allen's three is the second most, while Orange Lutheran and Hoover each grabbed two selections. First Team Offense

QB — Spencer Rattler, 6-1, 180, Pinnacle (Phoenix)
The 2019 Oklahoma commit has thrown for nearly 10,000 yards during his high school career and expect the 5-star quarterback to have a monster senior season. Earlier this summer he led his team to the 7-on-7 title at The Opening Finals in Frisco, Texas, and was named the MVP of the Elite 11 competition.

QB — Ryan Hilinski, 6-4, 220, Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
The 2019 South Carolina commit had an impressive showing at The Opening and was easily one of the best players overall. The 4-star quarterback is coming off a huge junior season, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns. Expect Hilinski to put up video game type of numbers during his senior season with the weapons he and the Lancers have coming back this season.

QB — Bo Nix, 6-1.5, 205, Pinson Valley (Pinson, Ala.)
The No. 1 rated dual-threat quarterback from the Class of 2019 led Pinson Valley to a 15-0 record last year and helped win the school's first state title. The 2019 Auburn commit is a gamer, one of the most skilled and toughest quarterbacks in the country.

RB — Trey Sanders, 6-0, 215, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
The 5-star talent checks in as the No. 1 running back on 247Sports player composite rankings. When the Ascenders needed a big play last year the former Alabama pledge made it.

RB — Deondrick Glass, 5-11, 200, Katy (Texas)
Katy has produced some big-time running backs and Glass could very well end up being the best yet. Don't be surprised when the 4-star playmaker ends up being in contention for the National Player of the Year award at the end of the season.

RB — Jerrion Ealy, 5-9, 195, Jackson Prep (Jackson, Miss.)
The 2019 Ole Miss commit is a rare talent among high school athletes — he is rated in the Top 50 in both football and baseball.

WR — Garrett Wilson, 6-0.5, 180, Lake Travis (Austin, Texas)
The 5-star wide receiver is coming off a junior season were he hauled in 96 receptions for 1,764 yards and 26 touchdowns. The scary thing is the 2019 Ohio State commit could put up even bigger numbers during his senior campaign.

WR — Jadon Haselwood, 6-2.5, 195, Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, Ga.)
The 2019 Georgia commit checks in as the No. 1 rated wide receiver on 247Sports player composite rankings. Haselwood has been putting on a show during all the regional camps and showed why he is one of the nation's best talents at The Opening.

WR — Theo Wease, 6-3, 200, Allen (Texas)
The 2019 Oklahoma commit is a get-your-popcorn-ready type of player. He's one of the most exciting dudes to watch in the country and catches everything thrown his way. He played a major role in leading Allen to its first state title since the Kyler Murray days and will have them in contention again in 2018.

TE — Hudson Henry, 6-5, 225, Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.)
Henry checks in as the No. 1 rated tight end on 247sports player composite rankings. The younger brother of the Los Angeles Chargers' Hunter Henry should put up big numbers for one of the highest scoring offenses in 2018.

OL — Kardell Thomas, 6-3, 335, Southern Lab (Baton Rouge, La.)
One of the most well-rounded offensive linemen in the country, the 2019 LSU commit checks in as the No. 1 offensive guard on 247Sports player composite rankings.

OL — Wanya Morris, 6-5.5, 310, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)
The Rams are loaded this season and their top rated player is the 2019 Tennessee commit. The 5-star offensive tackle checks in as the No. 6 player overall.

OL — EJ Ndoma-Ogar, 6-3.5, 320, Allen (Texas)
The 2019 Oklahoma commit is a major piece to Allen's success. He is a beast at both run and pass blocking. The Eagles check in as the No. 4 team in our preseason Top 25 and Ndoma-Ogar is a major reason why.

OL — Evan Neal, 6-7.5, 360, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Neal is the anchor to what could be the best O-line in the nation. The 4-star offensive tackle was one of the most dominant performers at The Opening earlier this summer.

OL — Harry Miller, 6-4, 300, Buford (Ga.)
The 2019 Ohio State commit can play anywhere on the offensive line, and checks in as the No. 2 center on 247sports player composite rankings. Just like Neal, he was one of the more dominating performers at The Opening.

AP — Quavaris Crouch, 6-2.5, 235, Harding University (Charlotte, N.C.)
The 2017 North Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year put up monster numbers during his junior season, rushing for 3,000-plus yards and 31 touchdowns. He also had 14 sacks on defense. The 5-star athlete helped Harding University last year to its first state title since 1953.

K — Will Reichard, 6-1, 185, Hoover (Ala.)
The 2019 Alabama commit is the top rated kicker in the country. Hoover checks in as the No. 21 team in our preseason Top 25 and if the Buccaneers need a field goal at the end of the game they have one of the most clutch kickers in high school football.
First Team Defense

DL — Kayvon Thibodeaux, 6-4.5, 240, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.)
Thibodeaux checks in as the No. 1 rated player overall on 247Sports player composite rankings. He is coming off a monster junior season racking up 20 sacks and 28.5 tackles for loss.

DL — Nolan Smith, 6-3, 230, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
The 2019 Georgia commit is one of the most talented players overall. The 5-star defensive end has more moves than any other defensive lineman and can also play linebacker.

DL — Ishmael Sopsher, 6-3.5, 335, Amite (La.)
Sopsher checks in as the No. 1 defensive tackle on 247Sports player composite rankings and checks in as the fifth-rated player overall. The 5-star beast is impossible to block.

DL — Zach Harrison, 6-5.5, 245, Olentangy Orange (Lewis Center, Ohio)
The 5-star defensive end from Ohio is one of the most athletic players in the country and draws a lot of comparisons to Jevon Kearse for good reason.

LB — Owen Pappoe, 6-0.5, 210, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)
The 5-star linebacker and 2019 Auburn commit is one of the main reasons why the Rams open the season at No. 5 in the Top 25.

LB — Henry To'oto'o, 6-2, 210, De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
The Spartans will have one of the top defenses in California this year and it starts with its 4-star linebacker. One of the most well-rounded players in high school football, To'oto'o lines up everywhere on defense ... and don't be surprised when you see him get some carries on offense again this season.

LB — Shane Lee, 6-0, 255, St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)
The Panthers check in as the No. 7 team in our Top 25 and the 4-star linebacker and 2019 Alabama commit is a huge reason why.
LB — Nakobe Dean, 6-0, 220, Horn Lake (Miss.)
The 5-star beast is one of the most polished players in high school football and checks in as the top-rated inside linebacker and No. 1 player overall from Mississippi on 247Sports player composite rankings.

DB — Chris Steele, 6-1.5, 190, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
The 2019 USC commit is the complete package at cornerback and the leader on defense for the No. 1 team in the Top 25. Expect a monster senior year for Steele.

DB — Akeem Dent, 5-11, 180, Palm Beach Central (Wellington, Fla.)
The 2019 Florida State commit is one of the most physical defensive backs in high school football. The 5-star cornerback is one of the most exciting dudes to watch in the country.

DB — Derek Stingley, 6-0.5, 195, Dunham (Baton Rouge, La.)
The 2019 LSU commit checks in as the No. 1 rated cornerback on 247Ssports player composite rankings. Stingley is the complete package; he can cover, is physical, has speed and great footwork.

DB — Daxton Hill, 6-0.5, 190, Washington (Tulsa, Okla.)
The No. 1 safety in high school football on 247Sports player composite rankings the 5-star talent, Hill. He checks in as the No. 9 rated player overall and expect a huge senior season from the No. 1 player in Oklahoma.

AP — Bru McCoy, 6-2.5, 205, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
The 5-star athlete was the only player to make both our Top 10 lists for offensive and defensive players. He is one of the rare dudes who would be a 5-star wide receiver or 5-star linebacker. McCoy will be one of the most important players for defending National Champion Mater Dei and coach Bruce Rollinson in 2018.

P — Aidan Swanson, 6-3, 165, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
The 2019 Clemson commit is one of the best special teams players in the country.
Second Team Offense

QB — Taulia Tagovailoa, 5-11, 205, Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.)
The 4-star quarterback had a monster junior campaign throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns. Expect an even bigger senior season for the 2019 Alabama commit.

QB — Jacob Conover, 6-0, 185, Chandler (Ariz.)
The 2019 BYU commit has done nothing but win. He helped lead Chandler to its second consecutive Top 25 finish and second straight 6A state championship in 2017. Conover and the Wolves begin the year ranked as the No. 10 team in the country and have a good chance to three-peat in 2018.

QB — Grant Gunnell, 6-6, 220, St. Pius X (Houston)
The 2019 Arizona commit has a chance to make some history in 2018 as the 4-star quarterback needs 3,053 yards and 43 passing touchdowns to break the Texas state records for most career yards and touchdowns.

RB — Devyn Ford, 5-11, 195, North Stafford (Stafford, Va.)
The 2019 Penn State commit has rushed for 5,000-plus yards already and is coming off a monster junior season rushing for 2,000 plus yards and 32 touchdowns. The Nittany Lions have produced some big-time running backs and there's a good chance Ford will be on that list when all is said and done.

RB — John Emery, 6-0, 195, Destrehan (La.)
The 4-star talent checks in as the No. 2 rated running back from the Class of 2019 on 247sports player composite rankings. He is one of the best shows to watch in high school football.

RB — Noah Cain, 5-10.5, 210, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
This just shows how scary IMG Academy's backfield is — the Ascenders have two players selected on the Preseason All-American team. Cain is one of the most complete backs in the country.

WR — George Pickens, 6-3.5, 190, Hoover (Ala.)
The 4-star talent is big, fast, smooth and loves letting defensive backs know he is the baddest man on the field. Expect a monster senior season from the 2019 Auburn commit. 

WR — David Bell, 6-2, 185, Warren Central (Indianapolis)
The 4-star wide receiver helped the Warriors win a state title in hoops last spring and will have the Warriors in the mix to win the school's ninth state title in football in 2018. He is one of the most gifted playmakers in the country.

WR — Kyle Ford, 6-2, 210, Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
The 5-star wide receiver was named the overall MVP at The Opening earlier this summer and expect Ford to ride that momentum into his senior season. He hauled in 91 receptions for nearly 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns during his junior year.
TE — Austin Stogner, 6-6, 235, Prestonwood Christian (Plano, Texas)
The 2019 Oklahoma commit is one of the toughest matchups in high school football. The 6-foot, 6-inch target has some of the best hands in the country.

OL — Kenyon Green, 6-4, 330, Atascocita (Humble, Texas)
The 2019 Texas A&M commit checks in as the top rated player from the Lone Star State.

OL — Darnell Wright, 6-6, 320, Huntington (W. Va.)
The 5-star offensive tackle is the No. 7 player overall from the Class of 2019 on 247sports player composite rankings.

OL — Devontae Dobbs, 6-4, 305, Belleville (Mich.)
The 2019 Michigan State commit is one of the best players overall in high school football.

OL — Clay Webb, 6-3, 295, Oxford (Ala.)
The 5-star beast from Alabama checks in as the top rated center on 247sports player composite rankings.

OL — Pierce Quick, 6-5, 280, Hewitt-Trussville (Trussville, Ala.)
The 2019 Alabama commit is one of 32 5-star recruits from the Class of 2019. He checks in as the No. 6 rated offensive tackle and No. 2 player overall from Alabama.

AP — Jordan Whittington, 6-1, 200, Cuero (Texas)
The 2019 Texas commit is one of the most special players in the country. Anytime he gets his hands on the ball there's a good chance it results in six points.

K — Ryan Fitzgerald, 6-0, 185, Colquitt County (Norman Park, Ga.)
The Packers' special team wiz connected on 18 field goals during his junior season and also averaged over 40 yards per punt.

Second Team Defense

DL — Faatui Tuitele, 6-4, 300, St. Louis (Honolulu)
The 4-star defensive tackle from St. Louis will be the next big-time football player from the 808.

DL — DeMarvin Leal, 6-4, 280, Judson (Converse, Texas)
The 2019 Texas A&M commit is one of the most versatile defensive lineman in high school football. He can line up anywhere and is nearly impossible to block.

DL — Stephen Herron Jr., 6-3.5, 235, Trinity (Louisville, Ky.)
The 2019 Michigan commit has played a major role in leading Trinity to back-to-back Top 25 finishes and is the leader for one of the best defenses in the country.

DL — Jayden Jernigan, 6-1, 280, Allen (Texas)
There might not be a more underrated player in the country than Allen's 3-star defensive tackle. The 2019 Oklahoma State commit is a nightmare matchup for opposing offensive lines.

LB — De'Gabriel Floyd, 6-2, 240, Westlake (Westlake Village, Calif.)
The 2019 Texas commit lines up everywhere. Last year, he played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker and safety. The 4-star linebacker is one of the best all-around players in high school football.

LB — Brandon Smith, 6-4, 230, Louisa County (Mineral, Va.)
The 5-star linebacker from Virginia is the complete package. The 2019 Penn State commit checks in as the No. 2 rated inside linebacker on 247Sports player composite rankings.

LB — Marcel Brooks, 6-3, 195, Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas)
The 2019 LSU commit is one of the baddest players from the Lone Star State.

LB — Maninoa Tufono, 6-3, 225, Punahou (Honolulu)
The 4-star linebacker joins Tuitele from the Aloha State. He is one of the best ball-hawking linebackers in high school football.

DB — Andrew Booth, 6-1, 190, Archer (Lawrenceville, Ga.)
The 5-star defensive back checks in as the No. 2 rated cornerback on 247Sports player composite rankings. He and Jalyn Phillips will help lead one of the top defenses in high school football this season.

DB — Tyrique Stevenson, 6-0.5, 190, Southridge (Miami)
The Sunshine State has some big-time defensive players and Stevenson is easily one of the best from Florida.

DB — Max Williams, 5-8, 175, Serra (Gardena, Calif.)
Serra has produced some of the best talent from California and the next great one from the 310 will be Williams. He has the same type of skills as a former Serra star — Adoree' Jackson.

DB — Erick Young, 6-0, 210, Fort Bend Bush (Richmond, Texas)
The 2019 Texas A&M commit is one of the most well-rounded cornerbacks in high school football.

AP — Jeffery Carter, 6-0, 185, Mansfield Legacy (Mansfield, Texas)
The former Aledo (Texas) star was a huge addition for the Broncos. Carter is listed as a 4-star cornerback, but he is just as talented on the other side of the ball. He and 4-star Jalen Catalon will be one of the best duos in high school football in 2018.

P — Austin McNamara, 6-4, 165, Highland (Gilbert, Ariz.)
McNamara checks in as the No. 1 punter from the Class of 2019 on 247Sports player composite rankings.