MaxPreps 2014 Michigan preseason football Fab 5

1. Cass Tech (Detroit)
2013 finish: 12-1
Head coach: Thomas Wilcher
Team preview

Cass Tech has all the pieces for a state title in 2014. Sophomore Rodney Hall should line up behind center, with Jayru Campbell's future uncertain. Dynamic running back Michael Weber will be a workhorse on offense. Ohio State commit Joshua Alabi gives Cass Tech a force in the middle of the defensive front. There's no shortage of impressive recruits in the program's underclassman ranks.

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2. Clarkston
2013 finish: 13-1; Division I state champion
Head coach: Kurt Richardson
Team preview



Clarkston went the distance in 2013 and has enough returning to be a viable contender for a second-straight year. After throwing for 2,232 yards and 19 touchdowns, Donovan Zezula is back for his senior season. Six-foot-7 tight end Cole Chewins, a Miami of Ohio commit, and receiver Shane Holler, who caught three touchdown passes, will be keys to the offense. Merrick Canada, one of the team's leading tacklers a year ago, spearheads the defense.

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3. Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills)
2013 finish: 14-0; Division II state champion
Head coach: Dave Sofran
Team preview

For the first time since 1969, Brother Rice will have a new football coach when the team takes the field this fall. Dave Sofran takes over for the legendary Al Fracassa. Quarterback Alex Malzone, committed to Michigan, is a key piece at Sofran's disposal. Malzone will look to target Grant Perry, a 600-yard receiver in 2013. DeLano Madison, who missed all of last season with a broken leg, could be the X factor in another state title run.

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4. Catholic Central (Novi)
2013 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Tom Mach
Team preview



One of the state's most consistent programs, Catholic Central enters 2014 with high expectations once again. Joe Fanning will assume quarterback duties, behind an offensive line with impressive size. Alex Bock figures to be a playmaker Fanning can rely on.

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5. St. Mary Prep (Orchard Lake)
2013 finish: 5-4
Head coach: George Porritt
Team preview

Three of St. Mary's four losses last year came by eight points or fewer. 2014 should be a better season for Porritt's squad. Joshua Ross is back at linebacker, but the departure of Daelin Hayes, who relocated to California, definitely stings. Michigan State commit Tyson Smith will roam the secondary.