MaxPreps 2013 Indiana preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Indiana Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Ben Davis (Indianapolis)
2012 finish: 8-2
Coach: Mike Kirschner
Team preview

The Giants are loaded with nine offensive and eight defensive starters back and at least eight Division I prospects in the top two classes. Junior quarterback Kyle Castner (6-3, 205) is the triggerman, having completed 60 percent of his passes last year for 1,758 yards and 10 touchdowns. Coach Mike Kirschner told MaxPreps, "I've never had a kid throw as hard as he can (in 30 years)." He also ranks ninth in his class of 1,200 with a 4.0 GPA. The defense will be anchored by speedy senior cornerbacks Tony Allen (5-9, 158), who runs 40 yards in 4.37 seconds, and O'Shea Heard (5-10, 165), who runs the 40 in 4.55.

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2. Carmel
2012 finish: 8-2
Coach: Kevin Wright
Team preview

The Greyhounds lost their last two games by a total of six points, but they hope to run the table this year with 12 returning starters — seven on offense. They will build around the state's No. 1-ranked player, senior wide receiver Austin Roberts (6-2, 217), who has committed to UCLA. Last year he had 32 catches for 378 yards and five touchdowns despite missing three games because of two injuries.

Quarterback John Lampe (6-3, 180) is back for his final year after throwing for over 1,600 yards and setting a single-game passing record. Besides Roberts, he can throw to senior tight end Joe Scott (6-3, 215), who quit hockey last year to play football for the first time. Junior tailbacks Chris Perkins (5-9, 195) and Shakir Paschall (5-10, 220) both can fly.

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3. Pike (Indianapolis)
2012 finish: 9-4
Coach: Derek Moyers
Team preview

The Red Devils return nine defensive and seven offensive starters as they again hope to contend for a state championship. Senior wide receiver Dominique Booth (6-1, 205) already has committed to the University of Tennessee. National champion Alabama and Florida State also sought his services. Last year he made 67 catches for 856 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior Taylor Sanders (5-10, 200), who runs 40 yards in 4.45 seconds, is coming off a season during which he ran for over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns.

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4. Lawrence Central (Indianapolis)
2012 finish: 15-0
Coach: Jed Richman
Team preview

The defending Class 5A state champions return eight starters — six on defense — under new coach Jed Richman. The defense will be anchored by linebacker Brandon Lee (6-3, 215), who made 46 solo and 35 assisted tackles and scored four touchdowns as a junior. At last count he had 18 Division I scholarship offers. Offensive tackle Kevin Willis (6-3, 300) has committed to Ball State University. Wide receiver Kenny Jones (6-3, 190 senior) runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds and is a "special athlete," coach Richman says. He already has found out that his new team "has a lot of very talented and driven young men."

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5. Center Grove (Greenwood)
2012 finish: 12-2
Coach: Eric Moore
Team preview

The Trojans return 10 starters (six on offense) and should have a balanced attack with standouts on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Luke Calvert (5-10, 185) passed for over 900 yards and 16 touchdowns and ran for another 540 yards as a junior. Senior split end Justin Veteto is a big target at 6-4, 175. He also has the speed (4.4 in the 40) and is one of the state's premier hurdlers. The offensive line is anchored by super senior center Alex Woods (6-2, 270). Senior safety Alex Aukerman (6-2, 210) had 46 tackles and three interceptions as a junior, while defensive end Dillon Dallas (6-2, 245) had 15 sacks.

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