By Kevin Askeland
Maxpreps.com
Signing Day is here and one of the teams expected to have the most Division I signees is St. Thomas Aquinas of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise considering that the Raiders finished No. 1 in the MaxPreps/National Guard final national rankings.
What may be surprising is that despite all of the losses to graduation, Aquinas is expected to be among the contenders for the No. 1 spot when the 2009 season begins in seven months.
Teams figuring to challenge Aquinas for the top spot include Byrnes of Duncan, S.C., which returns the nation’s top running back in Marcus Lattimore, and Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, which returns one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Ryan Kasdorf.
Here’s a look at where each of the Top 100 teams from 2008 expect to fare in 2009. Each team’s signees and other losses are listed along with notable returnees and analysis of whether the team could move up or down in next year’s national preseason rankings.
1. Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), 15-0
Signees: Duron Carter, WR, to Ohio State; Jordan Cowart, OL, to Notre Dame; Dwayne Difton, WR, to Connecticut; Gabe Holmes, TE, to Purdue; Jermaine Johnson, OL, to Miami; Ronnie Kennedy, DB, to Central Michigan; Conor O’Neill, LB, to Wisconsin; Dezmen Southward, DB, to Wisconsin; Ben Turk, P, to Notre Dame. Other Losses: Ryan Becker, QB, all-state. Returnees: Giovanni Bernard, RB, all-state; Brandon Linder, OL, all-state; Cody Riggs, DB, all-state; Michael Palardy, K, all-state. Movement: Down. Aquinas can’t move up because it finished the year ranked No. 1. The Raiders also lose nine players to Division 1 schools, which could be the most in the country this year. Nevertheless, Aquinas won’t fall very far. With four all-state players returning, including running back Giovanni Bernard, the Raiders should start the season in the top 10.
2. St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio), 14-1
Signees: Dan Fox, SS, to Notre Dame; Pat Hinkel, SS, to Miami Ohio; Connor Ryan, WR, to Ball State. Other Losses: Andrew Holland, QB, all-state; Joey Parris, WR, all-state. Returnees: Scott McVey, LB, All-American. Movement: Down. The Wildcats will have to find a replacement for all-state quarterback Andrew Holland and both of his top receivers. The good news is that the defense should remain solid with state MVP Scott McVey back patrolling the middle.
3. South Pointe (Rock Hill, S.C.), 15-0
Signees: Stephon Gilmore, QB, to South Carolina; Devonte Holloman, DB, to South Carolina; Charles Holmes, WR, to South Carolina. Other Losses: Pat Burris, Ath, all-state; Antwan Roseboro, LB, all-state; Devin Wherry, RB, all-area; Graham Tuttle, K, all-area; Sam Mallard, OL, all-area; Harold White, LB, all-area. Returnees: Jadaveon Clowney, DL, Soph, all-area; Darnell Colvin, DE; Jacob McQueen, OL. Movement: Down. Finding a replacement for state MVP Stephon Gilmore at quarterback will be the most difficult task for coach Bobby Carroll. The Stallions also lose one of the nation’s best defensive backs in Devonte Holloman. The defensive line should be solid with the return of Jadaveon Clowney and Darnell Colvin.
4. Muskegon (Mich.), 14-0
Signees: Melvin Crews to Eastern Michigan. Other Losses: Jason Hannett, LB, all-state; Elan Banks, QB, all-state; Carlton Johnson, DL, all-state. Movement: Down. Don’t expect Big Red to drop off too much. There’s a reason Muskegon is the winningest program in Michigan history. With 17 state titles, including three in the past five seasons, Big Red will be a contender in Michigan; however, whether or not that equates to a high MaxPreps ranking remains to be seen.
5. Allen (Texas), 15-1
Signees: Nate Bonsu, DL, to Colorado; Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR, to Texas A&M; Jeremy Reeves, DB, to Iowa State; Steven Terrell, DB, to Texas A&M. Other Losses: LaChristopher Anyiam, DL, all-district; Cory Jackson, DL, all-district; Matt McBride, LB, all-district; Matt Edwards, LB, all-district; Jeremiah Williams, RB, all-district; Dakarai Pecikonis, WR, all-district. Returnees: Cedric Ogbuehi, OL, all-state; Matt Brown, QB, all-state; Richard Greer, OL, Movement: Even. Sure the Eagles have lost a lot on defense, but all-state quarterback Matt Brown returns and he has two of his top linemen in front of him in Cedric Ogbuehi and Richard Greer.
6. Centennial (Corona, Calif.), 15-0
Signees: Vontaze Burfict, LB, to USC; Arthur Burns, RB, Washington State; Taylor Martinez, QB, to Nebraska; Ricky Marvray, WR, to UCLA; William Sutton, DL, to Arizona State; K.J. Vaifale, DB, to Southern Methodist. Other Losses: Ben Letcher, DL, all-league; Adam Hollick, LB, All-league; Anthony Whitlow, LB, All-League; GeShun Harris, WR, all-league second team; Nick Beasley, All-League second team; Steele Frey, OL, all-league second team. Returnees: Trevor Romaine, K; JT Felix, OL, all-league second team; Elijah Perricone, OL, all-league second team; Michael Aguon, DB, all-league second team; Anthony Goodman, DB, all-league second team. Movement: Down. Centennial loses some big stars in state MVP Taylor Martinez and All-American Vontaze Burfict. There are still quite a few role players returning, though, which will help keep Matt Logan’s team in the hunt for another CIF bowl berth.
7. Phoebus (Hampton, Va.), 15-0
Signees: Shawne Alston, RB, to West Virginia; Lovante’ Battle, TE, to Virginia; Tajh Boyd, QB, to Tennessee; Dominik Davenport, OL, to West Virginia. Other Losses: Markell Wilkins, DB; Charlie Jones, OL, all-area; Victor Gaither, OL, all-area; Omyn Newkirk, WR, all-area; Demetrius Ward, DL, all-area. Returnees: Daquan Romero, TE, Soph, all-state; Colby Goodwyn, DB, all-state; Chaz Robinson, LB, all-area; Caleb Taylor, LB, Soph, all-area. Movement: Down. Replacing the talented Tajh Boyd at quarterback would be hard enough, but finding someone to replace dominant lineman Dominik Davenport will be another tough test for coach William Dee. The Phantoms return some talent on defense, though, and they have one of the top young tight ends in the state in Daquan Romero.
8. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.), 14-1
Signees: Justin Bright, DB, to Florida State. Other Losses: Jamie Dunaway, OL; Jordan Miller, K, all-area; Daniel Cleveland, LB, all-area. Returnees: Marcus Lattimore, RB, All-American; Nick Jones, WR, all-area; Brandon Willis, DL, all-area; Corey Miller, DL, all-area; Chas Dodd, QB, all-area. Movement: Way up. Byrnes started the 2008 season as the No. 1 team and only a loss to Dorman in midseason prevented the Rebels from claiming the top spot at season’s end. With Junior All-American MVP Marcus Lattimore back to wreak havoc and Chas Dodd starting behind center for the third straight season, Byrnes likely starts the season at No. 1 again.
9. Prattville (Ala.), 13-1
Signees: Alex Page, DL, to South Alabama: Other Losses: Jerodis Williams, RB, all-area; Mitchell Thornton, OL, all-area; Brian Egan, K, all-area; Anthony Holland, DL, all-area; La’Angelo Albright, LB, all-area; Octavius Gilbert, LB, all-area; Zach Brownell, DB, all-area. Returnees: Cedric Smith, DB. Movement: Down. It’s hard to bet against the Lions, who have won three straight state championships. However, the defense takes a big hit with the loss of Alex Page and La’Angelo Albright, along with three other all-area players.
10. Camden County (Kingsland, Ga.), 15-0
Signees: Josh Dickerson, TE, to South Carolina; Deangelo Smith, Ath, to South Carolina;Other Losses: Mike Green, DB, all-state. Returnees: Aundre Johnson, RB, all-league; Marquevious Myers, RB, all-league; Jeremiah Booth, OL, all-league; Ean Days, RB, all-league; Matt Jackson, TE, all-league. Movement: Up. Camden County had a great run in the playoffs, knocking off the likes of Northside, Newnan and Peachtree en route to the title. The good news is that most of the skill players are back.
11. Elder (Cincinnati, Ohio), 13-2
Signees: Austen Bujnoch, OL, to Cincinnati; John Aneviski, OL, to Miami Ohio; Josh Jones, WR, to Cincinnati. Returnees: Mark Miller, QB, all-state; Tony Milano, K, all-state; Tim O’Conner, WR; Jake Fishburn, DB; Corey Mason, LB. Movement: Up. The offensive line will suffer with the losses of Austin Bujnoch and John Aneviski, but state MVP Mark Miller returns at quarterback and his favorite receiver also returns.
12. Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.), 14-0
Signees: Gino Simmone, WR, to Washington State. Other Losses: Rob Tramonte, OL, all-state. Returnees: Jake Heaps, QB, all-state; Kasen Williams, WR, Soph, all-state; Anthony DeMatteo, LB, all-state. Movement: Up. The Spartans will have one of the most recruited quarterbacks in the country next year in Jake Heaps and they’ll also have one of the nation’s top juniors in Kasen Williams. A big matchup with Oaks Christian of California could be the only thing keeping Skyline from posting another undefeated season.
13. Center Grove (Greenwood, Ind.), 14-1
Signees: Jordan Luallen, QB, to Georgia Tech; Luke Swift, RB, to Miami Ohio. Returnees: Garrett Mack, TE, all-state; Joel Cox, DL, all-state. Movement: Down. The Trojans avenged an early loss to Carmel in the state finals to finish 14-1, but Center Grove loses all-state players Jordan Luallen (QB) and Luke Swift (RB).
14. Grant (Sacramento, Calif.), 14-0
Signees: None. Other Losses: Kipeli Koniseti, QB, all-state; Alesana Laban, OL, all-state; Jerimiah Tobin, LB, all-state; Darvin McCauley, DB, all-Metro. Returnees: Devontae Butler, RB, all-state; Viliami Moala, OL, Soph, all-league. Movement: Down. The leadership of Kipeli Koniset will definitely be missed, but Grant will have a say in the NorCal bowl berth again next year with the return of Butler in the backfield.
15. Poly (Long Beach, Calif.), 14-1
Signees: George Daily-Lyles, LB, to Hawaii; Stanjarivus McKay, DB, to UCLA; Lazarri Middleton, DB, to Nebraska; Iuta Tepa, DL, to Hawaii. Other Losses: Albert Parrish, G, all-state; Melvin Richardson, RB, all-state. Returnees: Wilson Edwards, OL, all-league; Kaelin Clayton, WR, all-league. Movement: Even. The Jackrabbits lose some very talented players to the Division 1 ranks this year. So what else is new? Poly simply reloads each year.
16. Lake Travis (Austin, Texas), 16-0
Signees: Garrett Gilbert, QB, to Texas; Paden Kelly, OL, to Texas. Other Losses: Cade McCrary, WR, all-state; Harry Hatch, LB, all-state. Returnees: Quinton Crow, LB, all-state. Movement: Down. The Cavaliers have won two state championships in their history and it’s probably no coincidence that Garrett Gilbert was the quarterback for both of them. Finding a replacement for the state’s all-time leading passer won’t be easy.
17. Trinity (Louisville, Kent.), 14-1
Signees: Jordan Whiting, LB, to Ohio State; Tim Phillips, RB, to Central Michigan. Other Losses: Brock Messina, LB, all-state; Phil McCauley, LB, all-area; Cameron Smyth, QB. Returnees: Nick Robertson, K, all-area. Movement: Even. Another school that simply reloads each year. The Shamrocks lose the state’s best linebacker, Jordan Whiting, to Ohio State, but with a roster that numbers over 100, Trinity won’t have much trouble vying for its eighth state title in nine years.
18. Destrehan (La.), 14-0
Signees: Antonio Parker, DB, to Tulsa; Rufus Porter, LB, to Louisiana Tech; Ryan Rome, K, to Tulane; Darrington Sentimore, DL, to Alabama. Other Losses: Bobby Gorman, OL, all-state. Returnees: Ashton Duhe, C, all-district; Calvin Ursin, DL, all-district. Movement: Down. The defense won’t quite be the same without Div. 1 signees Rufus Porter, Antoino Parker and Darrington Sentimore shutting down opponents.
19. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), 12-2
Signees: Kylan Butler, RB, to Arizona; John Hendershott, DB, to Utah State. Other Losses: Blake Wayne, QB, league MVP; Jackson Bouza, WR; Blair Wishom, DB; Derek Perio, DB, all-state. Returnees: Tyler Anderson, RB; Terron Williams-Ward, RB; Dylan Wynn, DE, Soph; Blake Renaud, LB; Thomas Hickel, OL. Movement: Even. Some of the Spartans’ best players were sophomores last year and the back-up running backs saw considerable playing time. Replacing Blake Wayne at quarterback will be a challenge. De La Salle also has one of its toughest schedules ever, with games across the country against Don Bosco and at home against Lakeland of Florida. Still, can’t see De La Salle not being among the top 20 teams in the country next year.
20. Bellarmine Prep (San Jose, Calif.), 12-1
Signees: Usua Amanam, RB, to Stanford; Austyn Carta-Samuels, QB, to Wyoming; Michael Clay, LB, to Oregon; Kevin Danser, OL, to Stanford. Returnees: Kyle Olugbode, RB; Tyler Robitaille, WR. Movement: Down. The Bells have some skill players returning, but QB Austyn Carta Samuels might be missed more than expected. Kevin Danser’s presence on the offensive line will also be a big hole to fill.
21. Maine South (Park Ridge, Ill.), 14-0
Signees: Charlie Goro, QB, to Vanderbilt. Other Losses: Zach Timm, DL, all-state. Returnees: Matt Perez, RB, all-state second team. Movement: Down. State MVP Charlie Goro is off to Vanderbilt. The good news is that his backfield mate, Matt Perez, returns.
22. St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.), 14-1
Signees: JB Dock, DB, to Fresno State; Patrick Hall, DB, to USC. Other Losses: Isaiah Burton, WR, all-league; Sean Reeder, OL, all-league; Stephen Peterson, OL, all-league; Xavier Ramos, LB, all-league; James Emma, DL, all-league. Returnees: Dylan Davis, LB, all-state; Troy Hill, DB, all-league; Devon Blackledge, RB, all-state; Logan Meyer, QB, all-league; Giovanni DiPoalo, OL, all-league. Movement: Up. Expect the Seraphs to be one of the top teams in California next year with the backfield of Blackledge and Meyer leading the way.
23. Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), 13-1
Signees: John-Michael Davis, LB, to Boise State. Other Losses: Preston King, DB, all-state; Robbie Picazo, QB, league MVP; Scott Graves, LB, league MVP; Evan Finkenberg, OL, all-county; Josh Cabral, OL, all-state. Returnees: Zach Mitchell, RB; Sil Ajawara, OL; Seth Davis, LB, Soph; Trevor Weis, DB. Movement: Down. Replacing an impressive group of offensive linemen will likely be the toughest task at Tesoro. Although the Titans are still in their infancy as a school, they appear ready to make a permanent stay in the national rankings.
24. Trinity (Euless, Texas), 13-1
Signees: Eryon Barnett, DB, to Texas; Prinz Kande, DB, to Kansas; Dontrayevous Robinson, RB, to Nebraska; Siosaia Tupulotu, DL, to Utah. Other Losses: Cameron Graves, OL, all-area; Elikena Fieilo, LB, all-area. Movement: Even. The Trojans began the year with high expectations and a No. 1 ranking in some national polls. That pressure won’t be there this year, but Trinity will still be among the favorites in the 5A class.
25. Memphis University (Memphis, Tenn.), 13-0
Signees: None. Other Losses: David Tillman, RB, all-region; Taylor Reed, WR, all-region; Dylan Cunningham, TE, all-region; Cliff Jones, OL, all-region; Will Stokes, LB, region MVP; Walter Barnett, LB, all-region; Graham Jones, LB, all-region; Lowell Hays, DB, all-region; Barry Hillyer, DB, all-region. Returnees: Barry Brunetti, QB, all-state; Harrison Martin, LB, all-region. Movement: Down. The Owls have one of the top quarterbacks in the state returning in Barry Brunetti, but losses on defense, including three linebackers and half of the secondary, could keep Memphis from repeating as state champs.
26. Liberty (Bethlehem, Pa.), 15-1
Signees: Levi Brown, OL, to Temple; Devin Street, WR to Pittsburgh. Other Losses: Chris Rider, OL, all-area; Brandon Rader, RB, all-area; Al Pujols, DL, all-area; Horvin Latimer, LB, all-area; Daryl Klotz, LB, all-area. Returnees: Anthony Gonzalez, QB, all-state. Movement: Even. Some big losses on defense, but the return of Anthony Gonzalez at quarterback will make Liberty one of the favorites in Pennsylvania.
27. St. Xavier (Louisville, Kent.), 12-1
Signees: Rolandan Finch, RB, to Boston College; Trevor Foy, DE, to Purdue. Other Losses: Seth Harvey, OL, all-state; DJ Hall, DB, all-state; Matt Brutscher, QB. Returnees: Nick Sears, DB. Movement: Even. Much like its crosstown rival Trinity, St. Xavier simply reloads every year and finds a spot in the national rankings.
28. Noxubee County (Macon, Miss.), 14-0
Signees: Pat Patterson, WR, Uncommitted; Deontae Skinner, LB, to Mississippi State. Returnees: Vincent Sanders, DB, all-state. Movement: Down. Noxubee won’t surprise anyone next year, but then again maybe they won’t have to. The program has become a force under M.C. Miller, but the Tigers will have to replace Patterson at receiver.
29. Longview (Texas), 13-3
Signees: Chris Knighton, OL, to North Texas. Other Losses: Lamarcus Howard, DB, all-area; Jazz Reeves, OL, all-area. Returnees: Bryce Redman, OL, all-area; Aaron Johnson, QB; Tyler McCray, RB. Movement: Up. The skill players return with Johnson back behind center handing off to McCray. The offensive line took some hits, but all-area lineman Bryce Redman returns.
30. Archbishop Alter (Kettering, Ohio), 13-2
Signees: Chris Borland, RB, to Wisconsin; Austin Boucher, QB, to Miami Ohio; Evan Neff, OL, to Ball State; Max Plunkett, OL, to Kent State. Returnees: Cody Taulbee, RB; Cody Conley, LB. Movement: Down. The loss of Austin Boucher at QB and Chris Borland at RB will slow the offense.
31. Alta (Sandy, Utah), 13-1
Signees: None. Other Losses: Ammon Olsen, QB, all-state; Parker Webster, WR, all-state; Parker Erickson, OL, all-state; Dan Adams, DL, all-state; Trey Phillips, DB, all-state. Returnees: A’I Ho-Ching, LB, all-state. Movement: Down. Alta is nother team that loses the state MVP, Ammon Olsen, at quarterback. Defensive should continue to be solid with the return of all-state linebacker A’I Ho-Ching.
32. Smith (Chesapeake, Va.), 15-0
Signees: Tim Smith, WR, to Virginia; Jerod Askew, LB, to Tennessee; Perry Jones, RB, to Virginia. Other Losses: Charles Soule, C, all-area; Jarmara Gray, DE, all-area. Returnees: Phillip Sims, QB, all-state; Evan Hailes, DT, all-area. Movement: Up. It might seem odd to move Oscar Smith up in the rankings as it loses a number of its best defensive players. But returning quarterback Phillip Sims, who will be a fourth-year starter, could make up for the losses on defense.
33. Union (Tulsa, Okla.), 13-1
Signees: Brian DeShane, G, to Tulsa; Anthony Foster, WR, to Tulsa; Tracy Moore, RB, to Oklahoma State; Jeremy Smith, TB, to Oklahoma State; Terrell Williams, S, to Arkansas. Movement: Even. Losses are big at Union, including state MVP Jeremy Smith at running back. However Union battles for the state title every year and that doesn’t figure to change.
34. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), 11-1
Signees: None. Other Losses: Matt Strizak, C, all-area; Jack Templeton, G, all-area; Nick Vetterlein, LB, all-area; Stephen Pedhoretzky, DB, all-area; Brett Knief, QB, all-area; Dillon Romain, RB, all-area; Patrick Murray, K, all-area. Returnees: Brandon Sacco, T, all-area; Steele Divitto, DL, all-area; Ryan Cobb, LB, all-league; Bryan Murphy, DT, all-league. Movement: Even. The skill players are gone with Brett Knief (QB) and Dillon Romain (RB) both graduating. The defense remains solid, though, with Divitto, Cobb and Murphy all back. We’ll know how good the Ironmen are after they face De La Salle.
35. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.), 11-1
Signees: Jordan Barrett, TE, to UNLV. Other Losses: James Flynn, WR, league MVP. Returnees: Ryan Kasdorf, QB, All-American; Ben Gottschalk, OL, league MVP; Tyler Sulka, OL, all-league; Daniel Munyer, OL, all-league; Kenny Boggs, RB, all-league; Andrew Kimble, DL, all-league; Brian Ruballo, DB, all-league; Devin Hardy, OL, all-league; DJ Nelson, DL, all-league; Wayne Swinson, LB, all-league. Movement: Up. Could challenge Byrnes for the No. 1 spot in the preseason rankings. Notre Dame was riding high late in the season, only to lose in the Pac-5 playoffs. All-American QB Ryan Kasdorf returns with a strong offensive line and an experienced defense.
36. East St. Louis (Ill.), 13-1
Signees: Kraig Appleton, WR, to Illinois; Terry Hawthorne, WR, to Illinois; Tommy Hopkins, DB, to Illinois; Ty Phillips, DL, to Missouri. Returnees: Detchauz Wray, QB; Courtney Moulton, RB; Tevin Taylor, OL; Keante Minor, WR, Soph. Movement: Up. The Flyers lose two tremendous talents in Kraig Appleton and Terry Hawthorne, but the rest of the skill players return, including QB Detchauz Wray and talented sophomore Keante Minor at receiver.
37. Bellevue (Wash.), 14-0
Signees: Jamal Atofau, S, to Washington State. Other Losses: Peter Nguyen, RB, all-area; Joe Willingham, OL, all-area; Sean Connors, CB, all-area; Cam Warren, S, all-area; Drew Norris, OL, all-area; Leonard Woolfork, DL, all-area. Returnees: Brayden Van Ackeren, WR, all-area; Jake Hiller, OL, all-area; Julius Moore, DL, all-area; John Kanangataa, LB, all-area. Movement: Even. Bellevue never falls to far from season to season. The defense also looks solid with the return of Moore and Kanangataa.
38. Katy (Texas), 13-3
Signees: None: Other Losses: Elvin Tapong, DL, Sr, All-area; Cameron Travis, OL, all-area. Returnees: Sam Holl, DB, all-area, William Jeffrey, RB, all-district; Zach Swanson, TE, all-district; Shep Klinke, OL, all-district; Jonathon Fisher, LB, all-district; Terrance Barley, LB, all-district; Deyvi Hurtado, P, all-district; Grant Clifton, LB, Soph, all-district. Movement: Up. Katy was supposed to be rebuilding last year. Instead Gary Joseph’s team won a state title. Katy could make it three in a row next year.
39. Mullen (Denver, Colo.), 12-2
Signees: Ryan Hewitt, TE, to Stanford; Alex Logan, DB, to California; Charles Ragland, OL, to California. Returnees: Nduka Onyeali, DL, all-state; Connor Healy, Soph, all-state honorable mention; Adonis Ameen-Moore, Soph, all-state honorable mention; Dwayne Pecosky, all-state honorable mention; Rayshon Williams, Soph, all-state honorable mention; Leilon Willingham, Soph, all-state honorable mention. Movement: Up. Mullen was a young team this year and won a state title. It will still be a young team next year with many of the best players being only juniors.
40. Meridian (Miss.), 14-1
Signees: Usher Khairi, DB, to Louisiana-Monroe; Tyler Russell, QB, to Mississippi State; Chris Smith, WR, to Mississippi State. Other Losses: Michael Pack, LB, all-state; JJ Harbin, DB, all-state. Returnees: Jacoby Eason, Soph, all-state. Movement: Down. Meridian did something no team had done in nearly six years – defeat South Panola. Whether or not the Wildcats can do it again depends on the ability to replace all-state QB Tyler Russell.
41. Stony Point (Round Rock, Texas), 13-2
Signees: Kenneth Browder, WR, to Wyoming; Tevin Mims, DE, to Texas. Other Losses: Nyk McKissic, QB, district MVP; Darnell Armstrong, OL, all-district; Jacob Smithey, OLB, all-district; Arthur Nweke, DE, all-district; Glasco Martin, RB, all-district. Returnees: Stephen Williams, RB, Soph, all-district; Gerard Shillow, TE, all-district; Nathan Godfrey, LB, all-district; David Fulgencio, LB, all-district. Movement: Down. A strong senior class, led by DE Tevin Mims and QB Nyk McKissic, graduates leaving some big holes to fill. The defense whould still be solid, especially at linebacker.
42. Jefferson (Jefferson Hills, Pa.), 15-1
Signees: Brock Decicco, DB, to Pittsburgh; Pat Eger, OL, to West Virginia. Other Losses: Brian Baldrige, RB, all-area; Tyler Wehner, QB, all-area; Dan Virgin, WR. Movement: Down. Big losses in the offensive backfield in district MVP Brian Baldridge and QB Tyler Wehner.
43. Colerain (Cincinnati, Ohio), 11-2
Signees: Damon Sims, WR, to Indiana. Other Losses: Brandon White, OL, all-area; Nick Priessman, DB, all-state. Returnees: Tyler Williams, Soph, all-area. Movement: Even. Colerain is always in the thick of things in the Greater Miami conference and that won’t change.
44. Buford (Ga.), 15-0
Signees: Devin Durden, TE, to Air Force; Cody Getz, RB, to Air Force; Dallas Lee, OL, to Georgia; Steven Singleton, G, to South Carolina. Returnees: Kolton Houston, OL, all-state; Storm Johnson, RB, all-area; AJ Cunningham, DL, all-area; Daunte Carter, DB, all-area; Jessell Curry, Ath. Movement: Even. Buford was supposed to be rebuilding last year. Instead it won another state championship. State MVP Cody Getz is gone, but there’s still plenty of talent left with RB Storm Johnson and OL Kolton Houston.
45. Punahou (Honolulu, Hawaii), 12-1
Signees: Dalton Hilliard, RB, to UCLA; Kimo Makaula, Wr, to Washington; Cayman Shutter, QB, to Hawaii; Manti Te’o, OLB, Uncommitted; Roby Toma, WR, to UCLA. Other Losses: Trevor Iosefa, DT, all-state. Returnees: Jeremy Ioane, LB, all-state; Sean McFadden, S, all-state; Jonathan Fuimaono, DE, all-state; Kaiwi Crabb, OL, all-state. Movement: Even. Despite the loss to All-American Manti Te’o at linebacker, the Buff n’ Blue will be tougher than ever on defense next year. The key for Punahou will be on offense without Hilliard, Shutter and Toma.
46. West Monroe (La.), 13-1
Signees: Barkevious Mingo, LB, Uncommitted; DJ Banks, QB, to Tulane. Other Losses: Ladarius Adams, RB, all-district. Returnees: Jordon Allen, DL, all-district; Robert Lay, DB, all-district; Dillon Day, T, all-district; Wayne Hendricks, G, all-district; Tyler Burdeaux, DL, all-district. Movement: Up. The loss of Banks and Mingo hurts, but the offensive and defensive lines remain mostly intact.
47. Wylie (Texas), 13-3
Signees: Jerod Monk, QB, to Baylor, Nikita Whitlock, DL, to Wake Forest. Other Losses: Heath Smith, OL, all-district; Daniel Jordan, DB, all-district; Alan Menchacha, DB, all-district; Michael Boyefio, OL, all-district; John Pittman, DL, all-district; Izzy Eziakor, LB, all-district. Returnees: Nick Knott, RB, all-district; Colby Harper, WR, all-district; Noah Cheshier, TE, all-district; James Carter, DL, all-district; Toby Ball, LB, all-district; Tyler Mathers, LB, Soph, all-district. Movement: Up. Wylie had a fairly even split of seniors and underclassmen on this year’s state runner-up team. That could mean another run at the title next year.
48. Hightower (Missouri City, Texas), 13-1
Signees: Alex Francis, CB, to Rice; AJ Highsmith, QB, to Miami; Kelvin Jackson, OL, to Navy; Darius Johnson, WR, to Southern Methodist; Dele Junaid, S, to Mississippi; Colton Valencia, S, to Texas A&M. Returnees: Shaun Lewis, LB, all-district. Movement: Down. Lots of holes to fill, especially at QB where AJ Highsmith has graduated.
49. Plant (Tampa, Fla.), 14-1
Signees: Orson Charles, TE, uncommitted; Aaron Murray, QB, to Georgia. Other Losses: Beau Hume, LB, all-state; Tyler Rhodes, K, all-state; Hunter Baldwin, DB, all-state. Returnees: Allen Sampson, WR, all-state; Mike Mirabella, LB, all-state. Movement: Down. It’s tempting to say that Plant won’t be hurt by the loss of QB Aaron Murray since it won all of its games while he was out with a broken leg. However losing Orson Charles and three other all-state players might be too much to overcome.
50. Sulphur Springs (Texas), 14-2
Signees: Colton Nash, OL, to Arkansas; Tyrik Rollison, QB, to Auburn. Other Losses: Johnny McSheffrey, DB, all-district; Jake Russell, OL, all-district; Jace Jackson, WR, all-district; Ryan Young, RB, all-district. Returnees: Tyler Higginbotham, LB, all-district. Movement: Down. Sulphur Springs had an explosive offense and the leader of that offense, Tyrik, Rollison, is headed to Auburn.
51. Rockford (Mich.), 13-1
Signees: None: Other Losses: Steve Fegel, OL, all-state; Brogan Bibler, DB, all-state; Josh Osbun, LB, all-area; Ray Sabon, S, all-area; Mike Parsell, OL, all-area. Returnees: Matt Karamol, TE, all-area; Paul Mudgett, K/P, all-area. Movement: Down. Will still be a contender in Michigan, but might not be able to rise as high in the national rankings.
52. Seminole (Sanford, Fla.), 13-2
Signees: Aravious Armstrong, WR, to Miami; Andre DeBose, WR, to Florida; Dyron Dye, DE, to Miami. Other Losses: Kadeem Edwards, OL, all-state; Jarkevis Fields, LB, all-state; Charles Thacker, DL. Movement: Down. Seminole must replace five all-state players, including one of the best receivers in the nation in Andre DeBose.
53. Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.), 14-0
Signees: Corey Adams, DL, to Arizona State; Erik Brown, CB, to Fresno State; Beau Burton, RB, to Utah; Justin Jungblut, OL, to Boise State; Kody Koebensky, OL, to Arizona State; Paul Porras, WR, to Rice; Max Smith, TE, to Arizona State. Other Losses: Ben Bisgard, LB, all-state; Sebastian Sica, C, all-state second team; Cole Rarrick, QB, 1,667 yards passing. Movement: Down. Saguaro had an absolutely tremendous senior class with seven players expected to sign Div. 1 scholarships.
54. Cocoa (Fla.), 14-1
Signees: Marquise Dixon, CB, to Middle Tennessee; Winfred Strickland, CB, to Florida Atlantic. Other Losses: Anthony Session, LB, all-state. Returnees: Chevelle Buie, RB, Soph, all-state; Ronald Patrick, OL, all-state; E.J. Johnson, DB, all-state. Movement: Even. The emergence of Chevelle Buie at running back will keep Cocoa from tumbling out of the rankings.
55. Southridge (Beaverton, Ore.), 12-2
Signees: Mitch Mathews, WR, to Brigham Young. Other Losses: John Wall, G, all-state; Trevor Harman, K, all-state; Kirk Werhane, RB, all-state; Paul Tuma, DL, all-state; Kalen Powell, DB, all-state; Grant Kelley, DL, all-state; Kellen Mastrud, LB, all-state. Movement: Down. Another team with a strong group of seniors. Southridge loses eight players who received all-state honors and does not have any returning players who made the all-state team.
56. Wayzata (Plymouth, Minn.), 13-0
Signees: None. Other Losses: Kevin Potas, DE, all-state; Rob Bathe, T; Cecil Doe, WR; Bennett Rustad, OL; Grant Olson, LB. Returnees: Tobi Okuyemi, DL. Movement: Even. Wayzata will continue to challenge for the state title, although Eden Prairie and Cretin-Derham Hall will also be in contention.
57. Cathedral (San Diego, Calif.), 14-0
Signees: Everett Benyard, T, to Oregon; Tyler Gaffney, RB, to Stanford. Other Losses: Parker Hipp, QB; Roman Ferreira, K. Returnees: Mustafa Jalil, DL, Soph; Jordan Lance, RB; Brien Moynihan, WR; Ryan McLoughlin, DB. Movement: Down. Replacing a player like state MVP Tyler Gaffney won’t be easy.
58. Bentonville (Ark.), 12-1
Signees: Nathan Hughes, WR, to Army; Austin Taylor, DL, to Arkansas State. Other Losses: Faisal Khalaf, OL, all-state; Erik Ragsdale, LB, all-state. Movement: Down. Champions don’t tend to repeat in the 7A division in Arkansas. The loss of four all-state players won’t make it easy for Bentonville to turn the trick.
59. Northwestern (Rock Hill, S.C.), 13-2
Signees: None. Other Losses: Jarrett Neeley, RB, all-area; Darrell Brevard, OL, all-area; Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, all-area; Jerel Miller, LB, all-area; Chris Long, DB, all-area; Hakeem Adams, DL, all-area. Returnees: Justin Worley, QB, Soph, All-American. Movement: Up. Lots of players leaving for Northwestern, but Sophomore All-American returns making Northwestern a threat in South Carolina.
60. Lowell (Mich.), 11-1
Signees: Torsten Boss, WR, to Michigan State (baseball). Other Losses: Kyle Nichol, AP, all-area. Returnees: Connor Kruse, OL, all-state; Randy Hogan, LB, all-area. Movement: Down. Still one of the powers in state and should contend with Muskegon for state crown.
61. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.), 14-0
Signees: Chris Coyle, TE, to Arizona State; Returnees: Nick Montana, QB, all-state; Zac Stout, LB, all-state; Malcolm Jones, RB, All-American; Cassius Marsh, DL, all-state; Erik Kohler, OL, all-state. Movement: Up. Loaded with returning players from an undefeated team, including All-American Malcolm Jones at RB and all-state candidate Nick Montana at QB.
62. Rockhurst (Kansas City, Mo.), 10-2
Signees: Keith Langtry, WR, to Ball State; Nathan Scheelhaase, QB, to Illinois. Other Losses: Joe Geha, DB, all-area. Returnees: Dan Tapko, DL, Soph, all-area; Sal Belfonte, LB, all-area. Movement: Even. Defense will still be strong with Dan Tapko and Sal Belfonte returning, but offense will suffer from the loss of state MVP Nathan Scheelhaase at QB.
63. Timpview (Provo, Utah), 13-0
Signees: Tui Crichton, T, to Brigham Young; Xavier Su’a Filo, DT, Uncommitted; Travis Van Leeuwen, WR, to Utah State;. Other Losses: Casey Rumsey, QB, all-state; Jason Whittington, LB, all-state. Returnees: Bronson Kaufusi, DL, all-state; Chris Badger, DB, all-state. Movement: Down. Timpview needs to fill massive holes left in the line by the graduation of Crichton and Su’a Filo. Defense won’t fall too far thanks to the return of Kaufusi and Badger.
64. Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.), 13-1
Signees: Walt Canty, DB, to Duke; Taylor Sowell, DB, to Duke; Brandon Thomas, TE, to Clemson. Other Losses: Ash Butler, RB, all-area; Malcolm Boyd, OL, all-area. Returnees: Drew Bailey, DL, all-area; Ryan Pruitt, Dorman, LB, all-area. Movement: Even. Dorman pulled off the stunning win over Byrnes this year. Defense will be the key with the return of Drew Bailey and Ryan Pruitt.
65. North Penn (Lansdale, Pa.), 14-1
Signees: Brandon McManus, K, to Temple. Other Losses: Ronnie Akins, AP, all-area; Trey Farmer, OL, all-area; Andrew Stoll, LB, all-area; Tyler Smith, LB, all-area. Movement: Down. The Knights lose experienced players in the backfield from a team that won its first 14 games before falling to Liberty.
66. Muleshoe (Texas), 15-0
Signees: None. Other Losses: Wes Wood, QB, all-state; Lane Wood, LB, district MVP; Ray Ramirez, WR, all-district; Marshal Head, OL, all-district; Joseph Strader, DL, all-district; Victor Vasquez, WR, all-district. Returnees: Cooper Washington, TE, Soph, all-district; Austin Bamert, OL, all-district; Cooper Washington, DE, all-district. Movement: Down. QB Wes Wood was the state MVP, but Muleshoe has done a good job of developing quarterbacks the past few years so the loss might not be too dramatic.
67. Carmel (Ind.), 13-2
Signees: Brooks Michel, OL, to Minnesota; Morgan Newton, QB, to Kentucky; Brian East, LB, all-state; Chase Varndell, DB, all-state. Movement: Down. Newton, the team’s top rusher and passer, is headed to Kentucky. Replacing him will be the team’s toughest task.
68. Lakeland (Fla.), 14-1
Signees: None. Other Losses: Brenton Clayton, OL, all-state; Jordan Jones, LB, all-state; Caleb Pickrell, OL, all-state; Corey Swanson, OL, all-state. Returnees: Javares McRoy, WR, Soph, all-state; Will Lucas, LB, all-state; Jarrad Haggins, Ut, all-state; Quayshawn Nealy, LB, all-state. Movement: Up. The only loss for the Dreadnaughts came in the state finals. Four players return with all-state honors, including a strong pair of linebackers in Will Lucas and Quayshawn Nealy.
69. Midway (Waco, Texas), 12-2
Signees: Trey Graham, TE, to Texas; Ty Horn, OL, to TCU; John Hubert, RB, to Kansas State. Other Losses: Brandon Knapp, DB, all-district; Yvonte Guess, DB, all-district; Terrence Holloman, DE, all-district; James Morris, DT, all-district; Todd Glaesmann, WR, all-district; Zach Northern, OL, all-district; Clay Rusek, OL, all-district. Returnees: Ahmad Dixon, KR, all-district; Marc Martinez, LB, Soph, all-district; Jacob Hoeffner, LB, all-district. Movement: Down. Midway loses much of its offensive line and that could be the toughest part to replace. Defense could be strong with LBs Marc Martinez and Jacob Hoeffner back in the fold.
70. Las Cruces (N.M.), 13-0
Signees: None. Other Losses: Dante Caro, QB, all-state; James Hall, RB, all-state; Zane Bischof, OL, all-state; Luis Olivas, OL, all-state; Will Bruce, LB, all-state; Michael Bernal, LB, all-state; Jacob Lilley, WR, all-state. Returnees: Jacob Avalos, C, all-state; David Testa, DL, all-state; Jose Garcia, LB, all-state. Movement: Down. Las Cruces is always competitive, but losing all-state standouts like James Hall and Dante Caro signals a rebuilding year in Southern New Mexico.
71. Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), 13-1
Signees: None. Returnees: Joseph Champaign, DL, all-state; Ean Pemberton, RB, all-state honorable mention; Alex Mueller, OL, all-area; Shawn Green, DL, all-area; Terry Williams, LB, all-area. Movement: Up. A strong defense returns for Grayson which lost in the state semifinals last year.
72. Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee, Ga.), 12-3
Signees: Kevin Minter, LB, to LSU. Other Losses; Connor Orr, TE, all-state. Returnees: Trevor McBurnett, OL, all-area. Movement: Down. Kevin Minter’s absence on defense could be the difference.
73. Ursuline (Youngstown, Ohio), 15-0
Signees: Dale Peterman, WR, to Syracuse. Other Losses: Matt Krause, OL, all-state. Returnees: Jamel Turner, DL, all-state. Movement: Up. Ursuline will continue to play well thanks to All-American candidate Jamel Turner on defense.
74. Pine Forest (Pensacola, Fla.), 12-1
Signees: None. Other Losses: Sven Hurd, K, all-state; Steven Jenkins, LB, all-state; BJ Wiggins, OL, all-state; Jamarius Green, Ut, all-state; Brian Broadnax, DL, all-area; Dudley Bickham, LB, all-state; Shawn Morris, RB, all-area. Returnees: Isiah Johnson, LB, all-area. Movement: Down. The bulk of the defense is gone from a team that was undefeated in the regular season.
75. Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.), 12-1
Signees: Gerald Demps, DB, to Florida State; Greg Reid, DB, Florida State. Returnees: Ed Christian, OL, all-state honorable mention; Michael Copeland, DE, all-region; Telvin Smith, DE, all-region. Movement: Even. Lowndes is always one of the top teams in Georgia. The loss of Greg Reid will be tough, but Lowndes is in contstant reload mode.
76. Hutchinson (Kan.), 11-2
Signees: None: Other Losses: Nate Dreiling, RB, all-state; Forrest Stucky, DL, all-state; Brad Lambertus, OL, all-state. Returnees: Josh Smith, RB, all-state; Ross Lovett, OL; Justin Goetz, DL; Geneo Grissom, DL. Movement: Up. Josh Smith’s return will help ease the pain of losing all-state rusher Nate Dreiling.
77. East Grand Rapids (Grand Rapids, Mich.), 13-1
Signees: Robert Bell, DE, to Toledo; Chris Blair, Te, to Western Michigan. Other Losses: Joe Glendening, RB, all-state; Nick Wilson, OL, all-conference; Matt Riley, OL, all-state. Returnees: Josh Drummond, DB, all-conference; AJ McEwen, DB, all-conference; Colin Voss, DE, all-state. Movement: Up. Can East Grand Rapids make it four straight state titles. The guess here is affirmative, despite the loss of state MVP Joe Glendening at running back.
78. Cairo (Ga.), 14-0
Signees: Angelo Pease, QB, to Troy; Montavious Williams, T, to Troy. Other Losses: Reginald Bryant, RB, all-state. Movement: Down. The top two starters in the backfield, Pease and Bryant, will have to be replaced.
79. Carroll (Southlake, Texas), 8-3
Signees: Brayden Burnett, DE, to Missouri; Kyle Padron, QB, to Southern Methodist. Other Losses: Matt Boyles, OL, all-state; Josh Rake, WR, all-district; Ryan Walker, WR, all-district; Will McWhirter, OL, all-district. Returnees: Jackson Richards, DL; David Piland, QB, all-district; Tommy Avers, RB, all-district; Cade Foster, LB/K, all-district; Mitchell Osbourne, LB, all-district; Kacy Rodgers, CB, all-district. Movement: Up. There could be a return to the top for the Dragons thanks to a strong defense led by Jackson Richards and Cade Foster.
80. Lutheran (Orange, Calif.), 10-3
Signees: Terrence Brown, DB, to Stanford; Gabe Lemon, WR, to San Diego State; Scott Williams, WR, to Army. Other Losses: Mike Arakelian, DL, league MVP; Garret Gilliland, LB, MVP; Preson Pemasa, OL, all-league; Parker Flynn, K, all-league; Sean McEvilly, OL, all-league; Bobby Wheatley, QB, all-league. Movement: Up. A pair of league MVPs return for the Lancers, along with up-and-coming QB Bobby Wheatley.
81. Carthage (Texas), 14-2
Signees: None. Other Losses: Dwight Smith, RB, all-state; Si’Darius Blackshire, QB, all-district. Returnees: Deshun Williams, OL, all-state. Movement: Down. Smith and Blackshire combined for over 5,500 yards last year.
82. Lake Oswego (Ore.), 12-1
Signees: Micah Hatfield, RB, to Oregon State; Jack Lomax, QB, to Oregon State. Other Losses: Brendan Lake, T, all-state; Jackson Holstein, LB, all-state; Nick Rulli, DB, all-state; Jeff Kremer, DL, all-state. Returnees: Andre Lee, G, Soph, all-state; Will Storey, LB, all-state; Blake Heim, DL. Movement: Down. The defense will stay strong, but losing state MVP Jack Lomax and Micah Hatfield on offense hurts.
83. Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.), 13-1
Signees: Neal Barlow, WR, to Arkansas; Austin Noonan, G, to Army. Other Losses: Spencer Keith, QB, 397-626, 5,330 yards, 70 TDs; DJ Daniel, RB, 217-1,682-14 rushing, 89-1,041-14 receiving; Carson McKnight, 130-1,900-17 receiving; Zeke Tanner, DE, all-state. Returnees: Sam Vogel, LB; Wil Nicks, FS; Jackson Lowery, CB. Movement: Up. Losing Keith, who set the state single-season passing record, won’t be easy, but Pulaski coach Kevin Kelley has established a reputation for developing quarterbacks. The offensive system will also make Pulaski Academy a contender.
84. Newnan (Ga.), 13-1
Signees: None: Other Losses: Alan Bonner, WR, all-state; Ray Beno, OL, all-state. Returnees: Alec Ogletree, DB, all-state; Adam Strakose, LB, all-region; Jamal Ransby, DB, all-region. Movement: Up. The defense stays strong with the return of region MVP Alec Ogletree.
85. Franklin (Tenn.), 13-2
Signees: None: Other Losses: Graham Nichols, QB, all-area; Jarriel Eaton, WR, all-area; Nick Gordon, LB, all-area; Isaiah Anderson, OL, all-area. Returnees: Alex Ford, RB, all-area. Movement: Down. Standout running back Alex Ford returns, but Franklin still needs to find a signal caller to replace Nichols.
86. Mission Viejo (Calif.), 10-2
Signees: Allan Bridgford, QB, to California; Alex Mascarenas, DB, to UCLA. Returnees: Jake Marshall, RB; Marc Millan, DL, all-league; Stetson Fitch, DB, all-league; Pat Webster, OL, all-league; Joe Branker, WR, all-league; Alex Stamos, DL, all-league; Zach Hoffman, LB, all-league. Movement: Up. The loss of Bridgford at quarterback seems devastating, but if there’s one thing coach Bob Johnson knows, it’s quarterbacks, so expect that he’ll find a replacement. The good news is that seven other all-league players return for the Diablos.
87. Sherwood (Sandy Spring, Md.), 14-0
Signees: None: Other Losses: Zack Splain, QB, all-area; Andrew Midgette, OL, all-area; Dominique Davis, RB, all-area; James Oboh, TE, all-area; Steven Gamble, LB, all-area; Ralph George, DB, all-area; Thomas Huff, LB, all-area; Chris Everett, DB, all-area. Returnees: Andy Estrain, K; Oliver Pettenati, OL, all-area; Phil Durity, LB, all-area. Movement: Down. The backfield combo of Zach Splain and Dominique Davis is gone, along with the bulk of the defense.
88. Bingham (South Jordan, Utah), 11-3
Signees: LT Fililaga, RB, to Utah; Remington Peck, TE, to Brigham Young. Other Losses: Mike Edmunds, WR, all-state. Returnees: Harvey Langi, RB, Soph, all-state; Tuni Kanuch, OL, all-state. Movement: Up. The return of Harvey Langi at running back eases the loss of LT Fililaga.
89. Northwestern (Miami, Fla.), 13-3
Signees: Kenneth Dillard, LB, to Florida International; Daquan Hargrett, RB, to West Virginia; Tevin McCaskill, DB, uncommitted; Wayne Times, QB, to Florida International; Brandon Washington, G, to Miami. Returnees: Torrian Wilson, OL, all-state; Daquan Hargrett, RB, all-state. Movement: Up. The Bulls lost a ton of talent last year but still contended for the state title. So don’t expect Northwestern to drop off next year, especially with the return of Hargrett in the backfield.
90. Coldwater (Ohio), 12-1
Signees: Adam Homan, LB, to Ohio State. Other Losses: Trevor Robbins, OL, all-area; Zach Kaup, WR, all-area; Aaron Gilliland, all-area; Cory Klenke, QB, all-area; Alex Dues, OL, all-eague; Brock Pleiman, DL, all-area. Returnees: Kurt Westerheide, DL. Movement: Down. Coldwater came up just short in the Ohio state playoffs and now most of the standout players on that team, including Ohio State signee Adam Homan, are gone.
91. Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.), 14-0
Signees: Stephen Barnett, RB, to Tulane; Mason Johnston, TE, to Vanderbilt. Other losses: Aaron Riley, DL, all-state; Bradley Terry, LB, all-state; Matt Barnes, DB, all-state. Returnees: Brent Benedict, OL, all-state; Jawan Jamison, RB, all-state. Movement: Down. The defense suffers the biggest hit with the loss of three all-state players.
92. Warren Central (Indianapolis, Ind.), 9-4
Signees: Ed Hazelett, TE, to Western Kentucky; Eric Williams, RB, to Ball State. Other Losses: Matt Haynes, OL, all-state; George Cheeseborou, RB, all-state. Returnees: Brandon Blackburn, OL, all-state. Movement: Down. Lose a pair of two talented running backs in Eric Williams and George Cheeseborou.
93. Oakland (Murfreesboro, Tenn.), 14-1
Signees: None. Other Losses: Precious Valentine, RB, all-area; Derek Barrett, DL, all-state; Sam Bass, LB, all-area; B.J. Nelson, DB, all-area; Deion Wade, DB, all-area. Returnees: Tim McAdoo, DL, all-state; Darius Coffey, LB, all-area; Austin Murray, DL, all-area; Zach Barnes, DB, all-area. Movement: Up. Defense should be superb, especially on the line where All-American candidate Tim McAdoo anchors an outstanding group.
94. Plano (Texas), 10-2
Signees: Rex Burkhead, RB, to Nebraska; Justin Jordan, WR, to Southern Mississippi. Other Losses: Carson Meger, QB, all-district; Kris Lott, WR, all-district; Hanur Kim, OL, all-district; Preston Leahy, DL, all-district; Luke Terrell, DL, all-district; Michael Liu, LB, all-district; Andrew Caufman, DB, all-district. Returnees: Ashton Williams, TE, all-district. Movement: Down. Rex Burkhead is off to Nebraska and backfield mate Carson Meger is also gone.
95. Bethel Park (Pa.), 15-1
Signees: None. Other Losses: Lyle Marsh, RB, all-area; Erik Olson, QB, all-area; John Schademan, WR, all-area. Returnees: Adam Lazenga, LB, all-area. Movement: Down. Top three skill players for Bethel Park will graduate.
96. Lakewood (Calif.), 10-3
Signees: Talia Crichton, DL, to Washington; Trevor Erno, LB, to Arizona. Returnees: Kevin Anderson, WR, all-league; Oliver Robertson, OL, all-league; Ryan Cummings, LB, Soph, all-league; Dion Bailey, DB, all-league; Justin Utopo, DL, all-league; Ron Lewis, WR/P, all-league; Jerry Stone, RB, all-league; Chris Davis, WR, all-league; Kelly Harpham, OL, Soph, all-league; Keanu Kalalo, LB, all-league. Movement: Up. The two best players for Lakewood are gone, but nearly everyone else returns.
97. Curtis (River Ridge, La.), 14-1
Signees: Kenny Cain, RB, to TCU; Mike Henry, DL, to Tulane; Brandon Porter, DB, to Army. Other Losses: Russ Gisclair, OL, all-district; George Alonzo, OL, all-district; Matt Stansbury, LB, All-American. Returnees: Luke Carpenter, OL, all-district; Walker Ashburn, DL, all-district; Jermaine Collins, DL, all-district; Seth Jones, LB, Soph, all-district; Jonathan McKnight, KR, all-district. Movement: Up. No surprise here, Curtis challenges for another state title in Louisiana.
98. Armwood (Seffner, Fla.), 12-1
Signees: Justin Cabbagestalk, G, to Vanderbilt; Ryne Giddens, DL, to South Florida; Angelo Hadley, DB, to North Carolina; Mywan Jackson, QB, to North Carolina; Jamiel Smith, LB, to Alabama. Returnees: Theodore Jackson, DL, all-state; Alton Bailey, DL, all-state. Movement: Down. Defensive line will be strong, but replacing Mywan Jackson at QB will be difficult.
99. Tucker (Ga.), 14-1
Signees: Chris Beck, QB, to Army; A.J. Bouye, WR, to UCF; Drayton Calhoun, RB, to LSU; Tevin Holliman, OL, to Western Kentucky; Deion Roberson, TE, to North Carolina State. Other Losses: Jonathan Davis, LB, Region MVP. Returnees: Lorenzo Bryson, LB, all-region; James Vaughters, TE, Soph, all-region; Ramal Davis, OL, Soph, all-region. Movement: Down. For a medium-sized school, Tucker had a lot of talent this year. Unfortunately most of that talent graduates.
100. Hoover (Ala.), 13-2
Signees: Brian Jackson, DB, to Oregon; Patrick Miller, DB, to West Virginia; Justin Sly, DB, to UAB. Returnees: Maudrecus Humphrey, WR; John Probst, LB, all-area. Movement: Up. Hoover came on strong at the end of the season. That momentum could carry through to next season.
