Video: New 5-stars in the 2018 class
See newly christened elite talent, including Christian Brothers wideout Kamryn Babb.
MaxPreps 2017 Missouri Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Christian Brothers (St. Louis)2016 record: 11-2
Head coach: Scott Pingel
When it comes to talent, the boys from St. Louis have the most in the state, starting with
Kamryn Babb, who checks in as the No. 1 wide receiver on 247sports. The Cadets have one of the best receiver duos because Babb's sidekick,
Cameron Brown, is the No. 7 recruit in the state.
Brett Gabbert, the younger brother of former NFL first round pick Blaine Gabbert, is poised for a big-time junior season.
See the MaxPreps Missouri Football Computer Rankings presented by the Army National Guard2. Vianney (Kirkwood)2016 record: 9-5
Head coach: Paul Day
The reigning Class 5 state champions start 2017 in real good shape with a trio of contributors back to hunt for a repeat.
Quarterback
Tionne Harris will be under center for his senior season. The 5-foot-9 180 pound QB threw for 108 yards and a score in the Golden Griffins' 49-14 win.
The two-back combo of
Mickey Morrell (138 yards and a TD in the state championship) and
Kyren Williams (131 and three TDs in the title tilt) form a dynamic duo for coach Paul Day. The tandem will be able to romp behind 6-3 297 tackle
Thomas Willett.
See the MaxPreps Missouri football stat leaders
Rockhurst is among the best of the Show Me State.
Photo by David Beach
9-3
Head coach: Tony Severino
Bounced by Kirkwood in semifinals, the Hawklets look to bounce back in 2017. A quarterback battle will play out between senior
Derek Green and junior
Luke Boehm.
Rockhurst will rely on rising senior running back
Brady McCanles, a 6-0, 190 runner with 4.51 speed. McCanles have
Ty Simsheuser, a 6-0, 215 pound fullback and linebacker to share the rock with.
Whoever earns the QB nod will enjoy throwing to big-body tight end
Jacob Sykes (6-3, 255).
See the MaxPreps Missouri football playoff brackets4. Kirkwood2016 record: 13-1
Head coach: Farrell Shelton
The returning Class 6 state champions look to rely on rising senior running back
Daron Clay, who helped propel the Pioneers to the title after rushing for 72 yards against Rockhurst.
Kirkwood needs to find a replacement for QB Reece Goddard, who threw for 196 yards and three scores in the title game. Possible candidates include rising sophomores
Cameron Macon or
Connor Gibson.
They also must a way to replace graduated senior wideout and defensive end Tahk Telfair.
See the MaxPreps Missouri photo galleries5. Blue Springs2016 record: 11-3
Head coach: Kelly Donohoe
The Class 6 runner-ups have a stockpile of offense returning. Quarterback
Chase Donohoe, the coach's son, has the experience after a full year under center as a junior.
A lot of the Wildcats' fortunes, however, rest on running back
Jaylen Ivey and whether he can return to form after suffering an injury in the state finals loss to Kirkwood. Paired with fellow rising senior
Michael Warmack, Ivey would provide a potent thunder-and-lightning attack.
Caleb Marquez is a big target (6-2, 235) as a fullback and tight end.
The defensive line will be stout as senior
Daniel Parker Jr. (6-4, 245) will look to punish there and at offensive tackle.
