No. 18 Bellevue (Wash.) - Team preview / Preseason photo gallery
Strengths: Bellevue had a similar season in many regards to national champion John Curtis last year: a perennial power that had a magical campaign. Regression can be expected in 2012, but programs like Bellevue don't fall off too far, especially with the likes of
Bishard "Budda" Baker returning. Baker is an electrifying athlete who will likely share carries with senior
Max Richmond and junior
Mustafa Branch. He'll share carries with
Timmy Haehl, who takes over at quarterback and should manage the offense admirably. He already has an offer from Idaho. Both lines should be above average, even for Bellevue standards. The defensive line, with
Marcus Griffin and
Shane Bowman, looks especially formidable.
Question marks: The Wolverines have some major uncertainty at linebacker after losing Myles Jack, Sean Constantine and Michael Carlson. Jack will be missed for his offensive prowess as well. What also remains to be seen is how quickly Bellevue's impressive young talent develops. Its 2015 and 2016 classes are loaded with BCS prospects. However, very few saw significant action last season. Their development will be critical in Bellevue's continued success.
Outlook: Bellevue has certainly proved it's willing to take on some of the top teams in the country. However, it was unable to secure a major out-of-state game for 2013. It opens its season against defending 4A state champion Skyline, which could prove to be its stiffest competition of the season.
