MaxPreps 2014 Nebraska football preseason Fab 5

1. Omaha North
2013 finish: 12-1; Class A champion
Head coach: Larry Martin
Team preview

Calvin Strong arguably had the greatest season in 2013 that a Nebraska running back has ever had. He rushed for 3,008 yards and 43 touchdowns. The bad news for opponents is that he was only a junior. In addition to Strong, Omaha North features Nebraska commit Michael Decker, who will once again open holes on the offensive line.

See the Top 20 most dominant Nebraska football programs in the MaxPreps era

2. Skutt Catholic (Omaha)
2013 finish: 12-1; Class B state champion
Head coach: Matt Turman
Team preview



After a season-opening loss to Gretna last year, Skutt rattled off 12 consecutive victories and a Class B state title, which came in the form of a 30-0 masterpiece victory over York. This year, dual-threat quarterback Isaiah Ramsey returns as Skutt Catholic attempts to make another state title run.

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3. Bellevue West
2013 finish: 6-4
Head coach: Michael Huffman
Team preview

Two of Bellevue West's four losses last season came by a single point: a 38-37 road loss to Burke and a 50-49 road setback to Millard North. Prolific receiver CJ Johnson, who hauled in 79 passes for 1,364 yards and 17 scores last year, returns, as does 800-yard receiver Malik Hluchoweckyj. Six-foot-2, 245-pound offensive lineman AJ Forbes could be the state's top freshman.

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4. Grand Island
2013 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Jeff Tomlin
Team preview



After throwing for 2,000 yards a year ago, Pierce Almond is back behind center for Grand Island. Rodrigo Venegas and Adan Redwine, who combined for over 180 total tackles last year, return to lead the defense.

5. Millard North (Omaha)
2013 finish: 5-6
Head coach: Fred Petito
Team preview

Following a state title in 2012, Millard North experienced a rather significant dropoff in 2013, finishing 5-6. Under head coach Fred Petito, Millard North has demonstrated that it often alternates very food seasons with average seasons. Odds are good that Millard North bounces back in a big way.