4. Allen (Texas) - Team preview
Strengths: Allen is led by junior quarterback
Kyler Murray, the top dual threat quarterback in 2015 according to 247Sports. He came into his own as a sophomore, leading Allen down the stretch through a murderous Class 5A-I playoff bracket. Receiver
Cole Carter, a second team all-region pick, also returns. The Eagles' defense, which thwarted the likes of Skyline and Desoto last year, returns seven starters, including linebackers
Tay Evans and
Christian Sam. Defensive back
Chad Adams, hugely important to the team's secondary, is another welcomed returnee.
Question marks: Despite not having as much depth as many big-time Texas programs, Allen still loses a whopping 56 letterwinners from a year ago. While key players are back on both sides, that is still a tremendous amount of turnover. However, that type of turnover is not uncommon among Texas 5A teams, particularly ones successful enough to win Class 5A titles. Head coach Tom Westerberg will find replacements for open spots on the offensive line and in the backfield.
Outlook: Allen earned a preseason No. 1 ranking for the state of Texas. But, with a season opener on the road against Southlake Carroll, it will have to work to continue to earn that spot. Murray will only continue to get better at quarterback and he made numerous big plays down the stretch last year. New faces will need to contribute, but Allen's foundation should make it a state title threat once again in 2013.
