MaxPreps 2017 Florida preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Xavier Thomas owns offensive lineman
See the 5-star stud from IMG Academy maul the opposition.

1. IMG Academy (Bradenton)
2016 record: 11-0
Head coach: Kevin Wright

IMG Academy might have the most talented team in all of high school football. The Ascenders went undefeated last season and finished as the No. 3 team in the country.

IMG Academy undoubtedly has the toughest schedule in America as well. With high-profile transfers like 5-stars Brendan Radley-Hiles, Nolan Smith and Xavier Thomas — the preseason No. 3 Ascenders have national title hopes.

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2. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale)
2016 record: 13-2
Head coach: Roger Harriott



St. Thomas Aquinas fields one of the deepest squads in the land. The Pirates captured their third-consecutive state crown last fall and completed the season as the No. 6 team in the country. When it comes to secondaries, they might have the best in all of high school football led by 2018 Florida State commit Asante Samuel and 2018 Miami commit Alphonso Blades Jr., and Nikolas Bonitto is one of the best edge rushers in the country. Expect Daniel Carter and Elijah Moore to be big-time playmakers on offense. The preseason No. 5 Pirates are absolutely loaded.

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3. American Heritage (Plantation)
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Pat Surtain

The Patriots won their third state title in a four-year span in 2016 after finishing 14-0 in Surtain's first season as head coach. The former Pro Bowl cornerback has one of the most talented teams in the country heading into his second year, including 10 talented transfers. His son, Patrick Surtain II, checks in as the top-rated defensive back in the Class of 2018. He's joined by a boatload of talented players on defense, led by 5-star cornerback Tyson Campbell, 2018 Ohio State commit Andrew Chatfield and 2018 Miami commit Nesta Silvera. On offense, expect one of the fastest players in the country, Anthony Schwartz, to be one of the best playmakers from Florida in 2017.
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4. Carol City (Miami)
2016 record: 11-3
Head coach: Aubrey Hill

Carol City closed out the 2016 season a winner of its last six games, including a 14-6 victory over Lake Gibson in the 6A state championship game. It was the school's first state title since 2003. When it comes to talent, the preseason No. 17 Chiefs are stacked. They have one of the best backfields in the country with Cam'Ron Davis and Nayquan Wright carrying the rock, Marlon "Magic" Smith under center, and Randy Russell, Yasir Abdullah and Aaron Morgan leading one of the best defenses in the state.

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5. Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville)
2016 record: 11-3
Head coach: Verlon Dorminey



The Jacksonville power is trying to do something no school in Florida high school football history has ever done — win a fifth-consecutive state title. Five-star Tyreke Johnson is one of the most versatile players in America and will be a force on both sides of the ball.