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

Video: New 5-stars in the 2018 class
See newly christened elite talent, including Christian Brothers wideout Kamryn Babb.


1. Christian Brothers (St. Louis)
2016 record: 11-2
Head coach: Scott Pingel

When it comes to talent, the boys from St. Louis have the most in the state, starting with Kamryn Babb, who checks in as the No. 1 wide receiver on 247sports. The Cadets have one of the best receiver duos because Babb's sidekick, Cameron Brown, is the No. 7 recruit in the state.

Brett Gabbert, the younger brother of former NFL first round pick Blaine Gabbert, is poised for a big-time junior season.

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2. Vianney (Kirkwood)
2016 record: 9-5
Head coach: Paul Day

The reigning Class 5 state champions start 2017 in real good shape with a trio of contributors back to hunt for a repeat.

Quarterback Tionne Harris will be under center for his senior season. The 5-foot-9 180 pound QB threw for 108 yards and a score in the Golden Griffins' 49-14 win.

The two-back combo of Mickey Morrell (138 yards and a TD in the state championship) and Kyren Williams (131 and three TDs in the title tilt) form a dynamic duo for coach Paul Day. The tandem will be able to romp behind 6-3 297 tackle Thomas Willett.

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3. Rockhurst (Kansas City)
2016 record: 9-3
Head coach: Tony Severino

Bounced by Kirkwood in semifinals, the Hawklets look to bounce back in 2017. A quarterback battle will play out between senior Derek Green and junior Luke Boehm.



Rockhurst will rely on rising senior running back Brady McCanles, a 6-0, 190 runner with 4.51 speed. McCanles have Ty Simsheuser, a 6-0, 215 pound fullback and linebacker to share the rock with.

Whoever earns the QB nod will enjoy throwing to big-body tight end Jacob Sykes (6-3, 255).

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4. Kirkwood
2016 record: 13-1
Head coach: Farrell Shelton

The returning Class 6 state champions look to rely on rising senior running back Daron Clay, who helped propel the Pioneers to the title after rushing for 72 yards against Rockhurst.

Kirkwood needs to find a replacement for QB Reece Goddard, who threw for 196 yards and three scores in the title game. Possible candidates include rising sophomores Cameron Macon or Connor Gibson.



They also must a way to replace graduated senior wideout and defensive end Tahk Telfair.

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5. Blue Springs
2016 record: 11-3
Head coach: Kelly Donohoe

The Class 6 runner-ups have a stockpile of offense returning. Quarterback Chase Donohoe, the coach's son, has the experience after a full year under center as a junior.

A lot of the Wildcats' fortunes, however, rest on running back Jaylen Ivey and whether he can return to form after suffering an injury in the state finals loss to Kirkwood. Paired with fellow rising senior Michael Warmack, Ivey would provide a potent thunder-and-lightning attack.

Caleb Marquez is a big target (6-2, 235) as a fullback and tight end.



The defensive line will be stout as senior Daniel Parker Jr. (6-4, 245) will look to punish there and at offensive tackle.