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

Video: Josh Foley junior year highlights
See the Rio Rancho running back in action


1. Rio Rancho
Head coach: Dave Howes
2015 record: 7-4
Team preview

The Rams are loaded with experience, returning seven starters on offense and nine on defense. Leading the way is Montana recruit Logan Hertz, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound senior offensive tackle who blocked at 84 percent last year. Senior running back/cornerback Josh Foley (5-11, 190) amassed 1,518 yards and 19 touchdowns last year. Junior wide receiver Derrick Reyes (6-4, 210) has "fantastic hands," according to coach Dave Howes, and is the main receiver after making 37 catches for 461 yards and five touchdowns last year. The veteran defense can call on seniors Vinny Palmeri (6-2, 230), who had 92 tackles and 13 for losses; Kevin McCracken (6-2, 240), 57 tackles; Ashton Klovenas (5-10, 180), 59 tackles; Trey Parnell (6-0, 220), 87 tackles, and Dakota Carrasco (6-4, 210), who can play four positions.

See the Maxpreps New Mexico computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard



2. Mayfield (Las Cruces)
Head coach: Michael Bradley
2015 record: 7-4
Team preview

The Trojans, who return five offensive and three defensive starters, will rely on excellent team speed and skill players to offset a lack of great size. Senior running back/safety Isaac Vance (5-8, 160), who runs 40 yards in 4.5 seconds, rushed for 2,200 yards, had 560 receiving yards and scored 21 touchdowns as a junior. Senior wide receiver/cornerback Gaven Swinson (6-4, 205), another 4.5 speedster, had 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns receiving and has committed to New Mexico State. Two-way end Jalen Guerrero (6-6, 240) will be starting for the third year. Junior Torry Locklin (6-2, 190) started at quarterback near the end of the year and runs a 4.6 40. Seniors Austin Seay (5-10, 180) and Michael Villa (5-10, 180) are quick and both rank among the best linebackers in the state.

See the MaxPreps national football videos page

3. Cleveland (Rio Rancho)
Head coach: Heath Ridenour
2015 record: 13-0
Team preview

The defending state champion Storm will not go down without a fight, bringing back four offensive and five defensive starters from a powerful lineup. Manning the big offensive line are senior tackles Hayden Wilson (6-5, 270) and Daimon Altamirano (6-4, 295). Senior tight end Adam Cook (6-3, 240) made 34 catches for 452 yards and three touchdowns last year. Despite being just 5-5 and 130 pounds, senior Shawn Nieto paced the Storm in rushing last year with 143 carries for 931 yards and 18 touchdowns. Junior Angelo Trujillo (6-0, 180) takes over at quarterback after leading the JV team to a perfect 9-0 record.

See the MaxPreps New Mexico football photos page



4. Eldorado (Albuquerque)
Head coach: Charlie Dotson
2015 record: 10-3
Team preview The Class 6A state runner-up Eagles will count on five returning offensive and three defensive starters for another shot at the big prize. Bryce Wade (6-6, 235) and Adam Clark (6-3, 265) are two senior offensive tackles with Division I ability. The scoring should be supplied by senior fullback Elias Baker (5-9, 265) and slot receiver Dominic Sandoval (5-9, 155), who scored five touchdowns during the state playoffs. Senior Matt Denis (5-11, 155) started at quarterback very late in the playoffs due to an injury. He will be throwing to senior wide receiver Trenton Gaither (6-0, 180). Veteran coach Charlie Dotson noted, "This is the first time I've ever had three offensive line starters coming back. Our season depends on our quarterback and defensive line."

See the MaxPreps New Mexico high school football playoff brackets

5. Las Cruces
Head coach: Mark Lopez
2015 record: 9-4
Team preview

The Bulldogs were very young last year and still are somewhat young, even though they return eight offensive and six defensive starters. Longtime assistant Mark Lopez has taken over as head coach with the retirement of very successful Jim Miller. Junior wide receiver/defensive back Brandon Baeza (5-8, 160) was last year's top receiver with 80 catches for 1,380 yards and 11 touchdowns and also grabbed five interceptions. Versatile sophomore wide receiver Ivan Molina (5-7, 160) made his mark as a freshman with 12 catches for 320 yards and four touchdowns. Junior Payton Ball (5-10, 175) is the newcomer at quarterback. Key linemen are senior center Tristan Olson (6-3, 270) and tackle Jeremy Chavez (6-2, 265).