MaxPreps 2013 Tennessee preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Tennessee Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Oakland (Murfreesboro)
2012 finish: 6-5
Coach: Thomas McDaniel
Team preview

The Patriots — plagued by injuries the past two seasons — are ready to explode this year with the return of 18 starters and the presence of at least 12 Division I players. Junior offensive tackle Jack Jones (6-5, 275) already has committed to the University of Tennessee. He will be joined up front by senior guard Caleb Yates (6-3, 285), who has a 4.0 GPA. Versatile Emmanuel Smith (6-2, 210) ran for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. Senior tackle Austin Barrett (6-3, 280) will anchor the defense. Last year he had 45 tackles, including 13 for losses and four sacks.

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2. Ensworth (Nashville)
2012 finish: 13-0
Coach: Ricky Bowers
Team preview

The defending Division II-AA state champions return six offensive and seven defensive starters with the potential of at least nine Division I players in the top three classes. Senior D'Andre Ferby (6-1, 214) hopes to be injury free after averaging over nine yards per carry last year but being able to play in just six games. Senior two-way tackle Michael Sawyers (6-2, 315) already has committed to Vanderbilt. Last year he had 18 solo tackles, 10 for losses and 22 assists. Ricky Bowers calls him "as strong and powerful a guy as I have coached." Another two-way lineman, senior Xavier Forest (6-3, 324), adds to the Tigers' strength up front. Jake Estes (6-0, 175 senior) is the glue. He does it all as a free safety, wide receiver, punter, field goal kicker and punt returner.

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3. Whitehaven (Memphis)
2012 finish: 15-0
Coach: Rodney Saulsberry
Team preview

The defending Class 6A state champions return just four starters (three on offense), but they have a potential 16 Division I prospects in their top three classes. Junior linebacker Joshua McMillon (6-4, 225) heads the defense, having made 30 tackles, 15 for losses, last year.  Senior tackle Thomas Burton (6-3, 270) anchors the offensive line. Ramadi Warren (5-10, 195), who runs 40 yards in 4.4 seconds, rushed for 1,031 yards and 20 touchdowns as a part-time junior starter at Memphis Christian Brothers.

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4. Maryville
2012 finish: 14-1
Coach: George Quarles
Team preview

Seven starters are back from a Class 6A state runner-up squad, hoping to present veteran coach George Quarles with his 10th state championship. Defensive end Dylan Jackson (6-6, 240) is a big-time prospect after making 62 tackles as a sophomore. Seniors Shawn Prevo and Cody Carroll have great speed. Prevo (6-0, 185) ran for 1,438 yards and 22 touchdowns last year, while Carroll (5-10, 150) made 44 catches for 809 yards and 13 touchdowns.

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5. Fulton (Knoxville)
2012 finish: 13-2
Coach: Rob Black
Team preview

The Falcons are loaded with seven offensive and seven defensive starters seeking their second consecutive Class 4A state title. Five seniors and at least two underclassmen have Division I potential. The offense should be explosive, led by senior quarterback Penny Smith (6-2, 181), who passed for 1,653 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. He threw for a school-record 348 yards in one game. Senior Daryl Rollins (5-10, 171) ran for 2,402 yards and 31 touchdowns last year. He averaged 11.2 yards per carry. Senior Xavier Hawkins (5-9, 170) runs 40 yards in 4.4 seconds and is very productive as a wide receiver/defensive back. The line is anchored by seniors Akeem Cooperwood (6-7, 327) and Michael Scates (6-5, 291).

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