9. Washington (Miami) - Full preview
Treon Harris is one of 18 returning starters for Booker T. Washington, which fell just short of winning a state title in 2011.
Photo by Stuart Browning
Strengths: Eighteen returning starters is a good place to begin talking about the 2012 Booker T. Washington, which can best be described in one word: loaded. Quarterback
Treon Harris and favorite target
Lamar Parker highlight the offense, along with
Denver Kirkland, who at 6-4, 300 pounds, is a mountain of a young man.
D'von Ballard and
Krondis Landry both return at running back. The Tornadoes received added depth at that position when 2015 standout
Shaq Green transferred in from Norland. On defense,
Matthew Thomas, one of the nation’s top linebackers, is a physical specimen and an impact player.
Question marks: The biggest question that Booker T. Washington faces is if can it compete with the big boys in South Florida. The 2007 team, to which this year’s squad is drawing comparison, finished 15-0 and nationally ranked, plus was one of the top schools in Florida bar none. Florida is unlike many states in that smaller schools can be among the nation’s best. However, the Tornadoes have lost to Central the last three seasons. This fall, Central has some rebuilding to do, but will still be big, fast, and athletic - and potentially a figure in national rankings. Even before it travels to Texas to face Cedar Hill, Booker T. Washington will have to prove itself on Sept. 8 against Central.
Outlook: There are few teams in the country that return as much (and accomplished as much last season) as Booker T. Washington. With the amount of continuity it has from last season, spring was a time for fine-tuning, not rebuilding. The Tornadoes blasted Blanch Ely 48-0 and should hit the ground running in the fall.
