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

Video: Top 5 Plays from The Opening
See Central 4-star wideout Justyn Ross make a spectacular catch.


1. Hoover
2016 record: 12-2
Head coach: Josh Niblett

The defending class 7A state champs will be in the thick of things once again in 2017.

Wide receiver Shedrick Jackson, offensive tackle Mike Maye and kicker Barret Pickering lead the Buccaneers into an ambitious schedule that includes a trip to Grayson (Ga.), a home game against Mississippi's Meridian and a season-ending contest against national powerhouse IMG Academy.
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2. Central (Phenix City)
2016 record: 10-2
Head coach: Jamey DuBose



The Red Devils are led by 4-star wide receiver Justyn Ross, the No. 1 player from Alabama, and will have one of the most talented teams in the state.

Central must replace quarterback Zion Webb and running back Jaxton Carson, but second team All-State tackle Jahlil Ryles returns for his senior season.

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3. Minor (Adamsville)
2016 record: 12-2
Head coach: Curtis Graves

Graves takes over the Tigers' program and must find a way to continue the postseason successes of his predecessor George Bates. Gone are quarterback Jacure Jackson and running back Jaylond Adams, but there is a foundation of talent coming back.

Senior wide receiver Delonte Evans is back, as is linebacker Nijiel Broom, defensive end Jacori Goodwin and running backs Dequarius Leonard and Dominic Ellis.



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4. Spain Park (Hoover)
2016 record: 8-3
Head coach: Shawn Raney

Rising senior quarterback Braxton Barker, son of former Alabama QB Jay Barker, is back after the Jaguars fell to James Clemens in the postseason. Barker threw for 331 yards and a score in the loss.

Kicker Cole Starr also returns for Spain Park, as does rising senior wide receiver Jalen McMillan.

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5. Pinson Valley (Pinson)
2016 record: 8-4
Head coach: Patrick Nix



The former Auburn quarterback Nix takes over for the Indians, who have reached the postseason in seven of the past eight seasons but have failed to advance past the second round.

Nix's son, Bo Nix, joins the team and is the No. 1 dual threat quarterback in the state according to 247Sports.