2017 Early Contenders high school football preview: No. 3 IMG Academy

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Video: 2017 Early Contenders - No. 3 IMG Academy
Host Zack Poff breaks down one of the most talented teams in the country and takes a look at some of the tough games on the schedule.

Head coach: Kevin Wright

Last season: 11-0, No. 3 national ranking

Last decade: 37-3 (First season of varsity football was in 2013)



Notable alumni/players: Florida State QB Deondre Francois, Georgia TE Isaac Nauta, Ole Miss QB Shea Patterson, Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough, Florida State CB Levonta Taylor PLAYERS TO WATCH

DE Xavier Thomas (6-3, 265, Sr.) — The Clemson commit is the No. 2 recruit in the Class of 2018.

CB Brendan Radley-Hiles (5-10, 185, Sr.) — Committed to Nebraska, he's a Top 10 cornerback in the Class of 2018.

RB T.J. Pledger (5-8, 190, Sr.) — The No. 3 all-purpose back in the Class of 2018, he's committed to Oklahoma.

DT Taron Vincent (6-2, 285, Sr.) — He's the No. 1 defensive tackle in the Class of 2018, and an Ohio State commit.

DE Nolan Smith (6-3, 225, Jr.) — No. 3 overall recruit in the Class of 2019 is a Georgia commit. KEY GAMES



Aug. 26 — at No. 14 Chandler (Ariz.)

Sept. 2 — vs. No. 8 Centennial (Corona, Calif.) - Game is at Honor Bowl, Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, Calif.)

Sept. 15 — vs. St. John's (Washington, D.C.)

Sept. 22 — vs. Central (Miami)

Sept. 30 — vs. Northwestern (Miami)

Oct. 20 — at No. 23 East (Salt Lake City)



Nov. 3 — at Hoover (Ala.)

Nov. 11 — vs. Bishop Sullivan Catholic (Virginia Beach, Va.) STORYLINES

* Since 2013 IMG Academy has had 87 players commit to FBS programs and the 2017 roster will continue to add to that. The Ascenders have one of the most talented teams in all of high school football and they enter this season riding a 28-game winning streak.

* Two Southern California stars came over and should make major impacts on both sides of the football. MaxPreps Junior All-American T.J. Pledger rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 32 touchdowns at Chaminade (West Hills, Calif.) last year. Former Calabasas (Calif.) star Brendan Radley-Hiles is one of the best all-around players in the country.

* IMG Academy has two of the best edge rushers in all of high school and two Top 5 recruits overall in their respective classes in Thomas (2018) and Smith (2019).

* The big story for the Ascenders heading into the season is who will be the starting quarterback - 4-star Miami commit Artur Sitkowski or 3-star recruit Zack Annexstad? One thing is for sure, they have to replace some big shoes because Kellen Mond was big-time for IMG Academy in 2016.