2016 Arkansas Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Taylor Powell's highlights vs. Rogers Heritage
See the Fayetteville quarterback in action last season


1. Fayetteville
Head coach: Daryl Patton
2015 record: 12-2
Team preview

The Bulldogs' state title last year marked the third state crown since 2011 despite finishing in third place in the conference. Expect a much higher league finish this year and another possible state crown thanks to the return of Division 1 prospect Taylor Powell at quarterback. The backfield also returns another D-1 prospect in Terrance Rock while the defense has the Bulldogs' best college prospect in defensive tackle Akial Byers (6-4, 275). Byers is ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the state by 247Sports while Powell is No. 3 and Rock is No. 5.

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2. Har-Ber (Springdale)
Head coach: Chris Wood
2015 record: 11-2
Team preview



Har-Ber fell to Fayetteville in the playoffs after defeating the Bulldogs during the regular season. The Wildcats went undefeated in league play, though, and return a total of 11 starters from last year's group. Har-Ber had one of the state's best defenses last year and it returns junior nose guard Alejandro Ramirez (6-3, 310) and free safety Payton Copher (5-11, 180). The offensive line features mammoth all-state tackle Damon Nelson (6-3, 325).

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3. Bentonville
Head coach: Jody Grant
2015 record: 10-2
Team preview

Winner of back-to-back state titles in 2013 and 2014, Bentonville lost to Fayetteville in the postseason and Har-Ber during the regular season. The Tigers are in their second year under Jody Grant, who took over for longtime coach Barry Lunney last season. Bentonville has gone 112-41 over the past 13 seasons with eight league championships.

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4. Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Head coach: Kevin Kelley
2015 record: 14-0
Team preview

The Bruins have won two straight Class 5A state titles, averaging 51 points per game last year in going undefeated. Pulaski Academy has won 27 straight games but will play three out-of-state teams to start the 2016 season, including a week 2 game against East (Salt Lake City). The Bruins have one of the nation's most prolific passers in junior Layne Hatcher, who threw for 4,667 yards and 55 touchdowns as a sophomore.



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5. Southside (Fort Smith)
Head coach: Jeff Williams
2015 record: 8-5
Team preview Although Southside had five losses last season, two of them were against Har-Ber and two others came against Fayetteville and Bentonville. The Rebels move to 7A Central this year after finishing in fourth place in the 7A West in 2015. Southside has a Division 1 prospect in defensive end Hunter Moreton (6-1, 265).