MaxPreps 2013 Preseason Xcellent 25 Football preview: No. 24 University

Does South Florida have room for another football powerhouse?

Apparently so.

Under Roger Harriott's guidance, University (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) has emerged as a bona fide local, state and national power. With key returners - and impressive newcomers - in the fold for 2013, the Suns will be strong again this fall.

New quarterback Sean White, a transfer from Chaminade-Madonna, has looked outstanding this summer and should fill in smoothly for Mike White, who tossed for 2,201 yards last year in leading the team's offense.



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Junior running back Jordan Scarlett, the No. 30 recruit in the Class of 2015 Top247, is back. He rushed for 1,357 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago.

Sam Bruce, a sophomore receiver, is an even more dynamic offensive weapon and looks like one the country's top recruits for the Class of 2016. He only had 274 receiving yards as a freshman, but after a huge spring and summer, those numbers could possibly quadruple.

Emmanuel Soto and Lajuan Hunt will provide White with additional weapons at receiver.

On the defensive side of the ball, University allowed 112 points last fall and should be solid once again. Quincy Wilson and junior Rashard Causey are both back in the secondary. Returning starter Andrew Korakakos is back at linebacker, joined by newcomer Richard Yeargin, who is mulling offers from dozens of schools.

Rutgers commit Brandon Russell will line up at defensive tackle for the Suns, but the rest of the defensive line will be newcomers.



Now in Class 4A, University will have to get through Miami powerhouse Booker T. Washington in addition to a loaded regular season schedule that includes Miami Central, Cypress Bay and Manatee.

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Local look: "Love the fire that University School is bringing back with them this season after winning their first state championship. The biggest challenges facing them is playing out a tough schedule and being in Class 4A, which became a stronger classification during reclassification. Facing the possibility having to face Booker T. Washington in the playoffs will require University School to work even harder for a repeat state championship to happen."
- Josh Wilson, Publisher, FloridaHSFootball.com
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Size: Class 4A

Enrollment: 1,845

2012 finish: 13-0, Class 3A state champion

Head coach: Roger Harriott

Years at school: 8



Career record: 68-12

Notable players coached:

DL David Perry (Miami)

DL Maquedius Bain (LSU)

WR Jordan Cunningham (Vanderbilt)
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No. of returning starters: 6 (offense), 4 (defense)


Key losses:



WR Jordan Cunningham

DL Maquedius Bain

LB Skai Moore


Key returners:

RB Jordan Scarlett

WR Sam Bruce



DB Quincy Wilson

DB Rashard Cuasey


Key newcomers:

QB Sean White

LB Richard Yeargin
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Toughest game: After toying with a matchup against New Jersey's Don Bosco Prep, University lined up a brutal in-state schedule that is highlighted by Miami Central.

Question mark: Can University replace all the talent that it lost from last year's team? Certainly, the Suns have some very talented young players ready to step up. They also received several key transfers.

Local outlook: Fort Lauderdale is home to two nationally ranked teams: University and St. Thomas Aquinas. Nearby, Miramar will be good again and will look to defeat Aquinas for the third-straight year. Adjacent Dade County features a whole other slew of national-caliber teams.



Overall outlook: The talent on this roster is undeniable, as is the recent success that head coach Roger Harriott has achieved at the helm for University. What's also certain is that the team has a much more difficult schedule and a far more challenging playoff bracket. Couple that with the personnel losses that the Suns sustained, and the challenge facing University this season has never been greater. Nor has the opportunity.

Coach quote: "As we prepare for the 2013 season, the spring session was successful and I'm pleased with our summer training commitment and efforts. Our objective is to continue to build a winning tradition by approaching practices and games with a state championship attitude both on and off the field."
- Head coach Roger Harriott
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