A pair of nationally ranked teams — East and Bingham — lead the Beehive State. But don't rest on Lehi, Timpview or Desert Hills in the Utah football #MaxPrepsFab5.
Video: 2017 Early Contenders — No. 23 East
Watch highlights from one of the nation's top teams from 2016.
MaxPreps 2017 Utah Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. East (Salt Lake City)2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Brandon Matich
Riding a 23-game win streak, the Leopards are out to prove that last year's unbeaten season, a second-straight state title, a win over De La Salle and national ranking were no fluke. They finished ranked 23rd nationally last season and start at the same spot in 2017.
East returns four starting offensive linemen, including tackle
Sam Taki Taimani (6-2, 280),
Junior Angilau (6-6, 297) and
Paul Maile (6-3, 250). This should pave the way for
Lame Feletoa (5-11, 225),
Charlie Vincent (5-11, 160) or
Sione Molisi (5-9, 170), who need to fill the void left by graduated All-American running back Jaylen Warren (3,099 yards, 38 touchdowns).
The defense is led by linebacker
Johnson Hansen (6-2, 247), who has Nebraska, Utah and Fresno State pursuing him.
See the MaxPreps Utah Football Computer Rankings presented by the Army National Guard2. Bingham (South Jordan)2016 record: 14-1
Head coach: John Lambourne
Picked 36th in the nation by MaxPreps football editor Zack Poff heading into the season, the Miners' only loss of 2016 came to Florida power St. Thomas Aquinas in the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series.
Bingham won the school's third state title in a four-year span last year and things get a little more interesting this season because of the new 6A class that will also feature East. Among the top incoming seniors in the state, the Miners feature wide receivers
Brayden Cosper (6-3, 195), a BYU commit, and
Dax Milne (6-0, 180).
See the MaxPreps Utah football stat leaders
BYU commit Brayden Cosper leads Bingham.
Photo by Dave Argyle
8-4
Head coach: Ed Larson
The Pioneers have risen quickly after going a combined 15-92 from 2005-2015.
They are led by
Cammon Cooper, who threw for 4,059 yards and 38 touchdowns last year and is ranked the No. 15 pro-style quarterback from the Class of 2018. He has two big threats in
Dallin Holker (105 catches, 1,295 yards, 11 TDs last season) and
Kade Moore (72-1,072-12). A pair of returning safeties,
William Overstreet (72 tackles) and
Lincoln Bunker (70), lead the defense.
See the MaxPreps Utah football playoff brackets
4. Timpview (Provo)2016 record: 9-3
Head coach: Cary Whittingham
The Thunderbirds return just seven starters from last season, but they include two very good ones in defensive tackle
Jackson Cravens (6-3, 280) and outside linebacker
Karene Reid (6-1, 230).
Senior safety
Beau Tu'ua (6-3, 210), defensive end
Kolby Enosa (6-3, 270) and linebacker
Braxton Whitney (6-2, 225) are other college prospects.
Timpview returns no starters on defense, but will have a fine 7-1 JV team from last season to pick from.
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5. Desert Hills (St. George)2016 record: 10-2
Head coach: Carl Franke
The Thunder feature the top senior recruit in the state in 6-4, 349-pound tackle
Penei Sewell, who has 24 offers including Alabama, USC and Oregon.
Brock Parry, a 5-7, 165-pounder, rushed for 693 yards and eight touchdowns last year and middle linebacker/tight end
Jacob Stokes (6-3, 210) was in on 52 tackles.
Franke has led the Thunder to two state titles in the last four years, including a wild 28-27 win over Pine View last season for the 3AA crown.
