MaxPreps 2014 Alabama preseason football Fab 5

1. Hoover
2013 finish: 15-0
Head coach: Josh Niblett
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Hoover is coming off a perfect season in which it capped off another state championship. Most of the time that is a feat that is rare and not easy to repeat, but with this team, it could possibly top that. The Buccaneers begin the year ranked No. 3 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 and expectations are lofty, but rightfully so. They return nearly every key starter and are simply stacked at pretty much every position. Jack Hutcheson is back for his final campaign and will provide great leadership and experience while commandeering the offense. The backfield will likely be comprised of a two-headed dragon that features Bradrick Shaw and Marcus Webb, who will be very difficult to stop. Senior Justin Johnson will likely be Hutcheson's top target on the outside. The defensive side of the ball could be the Buccaneers' best feature. Up front the defense will be anchored by Jaysen Cook-Calhoun and Christian Bell on the ends and R.J. Arnold leads the linebacking unit. Losing Marlon Humphrey is not something that is easily replaced, but keep an eye on his younger brother Marion Humphrey, who enters his freshman year and could provide a spark in the secondary. Coach Niblett and his boys will be tested early, as they open their season with another Xcellent 25 team in Central of Miami. If they can get by them you are looking at a team that could very well contend for the top spot in the nation.

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2. Auburn
2013 finish: 13-2
Head coach: Tim Carter
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Coach Carter will look to lead his team back to the state championship game, where it was turned away by Hoover. Fortunately he has the tools to get back there. An offense that will be loaded with firepower will be led by Bradley Northcutt, who returns after a very good sophomore season. Tyus Flakes is coming off a superb sophomore campaign as well and will be the lead cog in the backfield after rushing for 1,400 yards in 2013. Look for LaQuavious Hunt and Noah Barnes to contribute on offense as well. The receiving core will be untested but with Northcutt being so dynamic it should have time to get up to speed. Defensively the Tigers will need to hit the ground running after losing some key pieces. The defensive unit will be anchored by linebackers Randy Hooks and Ben Coleman. Ty Giddens will provide experience in the secondary for a unit that may be the defense's biggest question. Coach Carter will have the means to take his team deep into the playoffs again, and the key to the car could be in the hands of his rising quarterback Mr. Northcutt.

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3. Spanish Fort
2013 finish: 15-0
Head coach: Mark Freeman
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It is hard enough to finish the season undefeated, but repeating seems to always be even more difficult. For coach Freeman and his squad, it may be a little less challenging. When you return a kid who was on the brink of breaking the 1,000-yard mark in rushing and a quarterback who is only getting better, not to mention a defense with experience, usually you are set up pretty well. For the Toros that is the exact case. Offensively, Freeman gets his field general in Tyler Johnston back after an impressive sophomore season and he should provide a lot of experience and leadership. Trey Shabel nearly broke the 1,000-yard mark in rushing last season and is back to likely break that number by a lot headed into his final season. Johnston will have multiple targets on the outside in LaDarrell Pettway and Kevin Marion. On the other side of the ball, Thomas Johnston looks like a very promising young talent. After recording 120 tackles in his freshman year, the sophomore will be a force from the linebacker position. Complementing him up front with be John Daniel Campbell and Tre Threat. The secondary could be the biggest question mark for the Toros, but between Javon Brown and Stephan Holcombe they should be able to hold down the deep threats. Coach Freeman and his boys have a repeat on their mind, and they have the means to do just that.

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4. Muscle Shoals
2013 finish: 13-2
Head coach: Scott Basden
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The Trojans fell just short of a state title last year and they are out for redemption in 2014. Landon Smothers will be the signal caller after having a breakout sophomore year. He will stand behind an offensive line that could be the best part of the offense. Between Nick Deluna and Miles Lansdell, who weigh in at roughly 270 and 300 pounds, respectively, the offensive line should be stacked and provide everything the team needs in the passing and run games. It'll likely be Kavonte Mcdonald handling most of the backfield duties but sophomore Ty Fuqua could be someone to watch as the season progresses. The defense returns some key pieces in Caleb Felton, who is coming off a solid sophomore campaign, and Deontay Donley, who will put pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the end position. Coach Basden has a young team on his hands but don't count the Trojans out come December.

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5. Clay-Chalkville (Pinson)
2013 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Jerry Hood
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Coach Hood will look to lead his boys back to the playoffs after a disappointing early exit last season. His best asset this season may be his defense. LaDarius Harris is a very versatile kid who can play both linebacker and put his hand in the dirt, which will be a large boost for the defense. Between Demarcus Davis and Kendall Jones the Cougars will have size and lots of it on the defensive side. The size continues on the offensive side of the ball as well. Jonathon Butterworth will anchor an offensive line that looks like it could be a huge help for an inexperienced quarterback. It'll likely be Darryien Wilson taking over under center, who saw limited action last season. Behind him leading the speed attack will be Terrell West and it'll be Tj Simmons anchoring the receiving core. Line play on both sides will be the strong point for coach Hood and his team, and if the offense can click the Cougars could possibly ride their defense into the playoffs.