MaxPreps 2013 Alabama preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Alabama Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Hoover
2012 finish: 15-0
Coach: Josh Niblett
Team preview

The powerful Buccaneers hope to make every opponent walk the plank again this year, but a formidable foe stands in the way when they open against Georgia power Colquitt County. Colquitt County is coached by Rush Propst, who started the Hoover dynasty. Hoover returns five offensive and seven defensive starters, with a particularly talented junior class. Two of those juniors are defensive end Christian Bell (6-4, 225), who made 15 tackles last year, and running back Bradrick Shaw (6-1, 210), who gained 315 yards and scored three touchdowns. Senior leadership will come from defensive tackle Jaterrius Gulley (6-3, 325), who had 48 solo and 37 assisted tackles last year.

See the Top 15 Alabama football dynasties

2. Clay-Chalkville (Pinson)
2012 finish: 12-2
Coach: Jerry Hood
Team preview

Senior quarterback Hayden Moore (6-2, 200) will lead the way, coming off a year in which he passed for 1,799 yards and 18 touchdowns and ran for 746 yards and another 11 scores. He will hand off to senior Sydney Battle (5-11, 205), who ran for 728 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Senior tackle Jalen Harvey (6-3, 300) anchors the defense. Last year Harvey, who bench presses 350 pounds, made 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

See which Alabama teams have the most wins since 2008

3. Spanish Fort
2012 finish: 14-1
Coach: Mark Freeman
Team preview

The defending Class 5A state champions return five defensive and three offensive starters. Senior linebacker Ronald Smith (6-1, 190) is a key returnee after leading the Toros in tackles with 97. He also had four sacks and two interceptions. This year he will move to strong safety. Senior linebacker Matt Hall (6-1, 200) also returns following a 91-tackle campaign. Ensuring a tough defense, versatile Chason Milner (6-4, 225) also is back after making 67 tackles as a junior. Wide receiver Sammy Harris (5-10, 170) made over 60 catches last year as a junior for almost 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns.

See last season's Alabama football playoff brackets

4. Carver (Montgomery)
2012 finish: 12-2
Coach: Billy Gresham
Team preview

The Wolverines will contend for a state title with the return of 11 starters (six on offense) and at least 10 Division I prospects. Three seniors already have made college choices. Senior wide receiver Charles Standberry (6-4, 215) has chosen Ole Miss. Last year he made 54 catches for 722 yards and seven touchdowns. Linebacker Shaun Hamilton (6-2, 230) has chosen defending national champion Alabama following a junior year in which he made 81 solo (12 for losses) and 25 assisted tackles. Defensive end Jon Michael Edwards (6-4, 235) made 55 tackles (24 solos) and 4.5 sacks as a junior. He has chosen Southern Mississippi.

See last season's final Alabama football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

5. McGill-Toolen (Mobile)
2012 finish: 11-1
Coach: Bart Sessions
Team preview

The Yellowjackets should be especially hard-hitting on defense where they return nine starters. Defensive end Herlandez Corley (6-5, 247) is the pacesetter, having made 32 solo and 23 assisted tackles last year. He also had 5.5 sacks and forced a pair of fumbles. Five offensive starters also are back. Senior tailback Ito Smith (5-10, 190) ran for 782 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. Two talented wide receivers also return. They are Chris Knowles (6-3, 217), who had 32 catches for 475 yards and six touchdowns, and Wil Young (6-4, 195), who made 24 catches for 383 yards and four touchdowns. Senior quarterback Harry Satterwhite (6-0, 185) will take over after gaining great experience from playing in the team's final five games.

See our Alabama football professional photo galleries