MaxPreps 2013 Texas preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Texas Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Allen
Head coach: Tom Westerberg
2012 finish: 15-1; Class 5A-I state champion
Team preview

If not for an early-season, three-point loss to Coppell in 2012, Allen might have won a national title last year. The Eagles “settled” for a Class 5A-I state title and are favored to win again in 2013. Junior quarterback Kyler Murray, who made numerous big plays down the stretch last year, has a chance for a huge season. The defense returns seven starters, led by linebackers Christian Sam and Tay Evans.

See the Texas Preseason All-State Team

2. Katy
Head coach: Gary Joseph
2012 finish: 16-0; Class 5A-II state champion
Team preview

The 2012 Tigers rank among the best teams in program history. The 2013 Tigers won’t drop off too far. Quarterback Kiley Huddleston and junior running back Rodney Anderson, a Texas A&M commit, both return to lead the offense. The defense will miss defensive end Matt Dimon, but it returns Cody Gessler and linebacker Jake Blomstrom. A talented group of young players should fill in spots vacated due to graduation.

See the Top 15 Texas football dynasties

3. Coppell
Head coach: Joe McBride
2012 finish: 11-1
Team preview

Coppell was the only team to knock off Allen last year. In 2013, it returns key players on both sides of the ball and should vie for a state title. With Solomon Thomas and John Herubin leading the front seven, the team’s defense should be big and physical. On offense, Coppell will be breaking in a new quarterback but has two accomplished running backs returning in Charles West and Gavin McDaniel. Games against Longview and defending state champion Allen will be good indicators of how far Coppell might be able to go in the Class 5A-I playoffs.

See every Texas Division I signee from last season

4. DeSoto
Head coach: Claude Mathis
2012 finish: 14-1
Team preview

Before getting tripped up in the playoffs by Allen, it looked like DeSoto was going to make a run at an undefeated season last year. This year, a similar run is not out of the question. Quarterback Desmon White will lead the offense after compiling nearly 5,000 yards from scrimmage last year. There are plenty of weapons on offense and the team’s defense will be solid. The team’s success could hinge on the performance of its inexperienced offensive line.

See last season's MaxPreps Computer Rankings for Texas, presented by the Army National Guard

5. Carroll (Southlake)
Head coach: Hal Wasson
2012 finish: 12-2
Team preview

A state champion in 2011, Carroll made a strong bid in 2012 but lost on a controversial call to DeSoto. This year, the Dragons have the talent on defense to make another push for the program’s ninth state title. All-district selections JB Copeland, Steven Bergmark and Tim Barnhart lead a seasoned group of linebackers. Adaryan Jones, committed to New Mexico State, is back in the secondary. Quarterback Ryan Agnew has the unenviable task of replacing Kenny Hill, now at Texas A&M.