Early Contenders presented by Shock Doctor high school football preview: No. 2 Mater Dei

Video: Early Contenders presented by Shock Doctor
We set the tone for 2018 by looking at high school football's elite.
Head coach: Bruce Rollinson


ATH Bru McCoy (6-3, 215, Sr.) — The 5-star recruit checks in as the No. 1 athlete in the Class of 2019.

QB Bryce Young (5-11, 175, Jr.) — The transfer from Cathedral (Los Angeles) is the No. 1 dual threat quarterback in the Class of 2020.

CB Ellas Ricks (6-2, 180, Jr.) — The 5-star recruit is the No. 2 cornerback prospect from the Class of 2020.

CB Darion Green-Warren (6-0, 170, Jr.) — The 4-star cornerback is one of the best defensive backs in the Class of 2020.

OG Myles Murao (6-3, 270, Jr.) — Don't be surprised if the No. 2 rated offensive guard in the Class of 2020 ends up being the top recruit in the nation when all is said and done. KEY GAMES

Aug. 24 — at No. 11 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)

Sept. 21 — vs. No. 3 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)

Oct. 12 — vs. No. 1 St. John Bosco (Bellflower)

Oct. 26 — vs. Orange Lutheran (Orange) STORYLINES

• Mater Dei is coming off the school's first CIF state title and still will be one of the most talented squads in the country despite losing valuable pieces from the state-title team.

• Young replaces JT Daniels at quarterback and the transfer will be looked to fill those shoes. Expect big seasons from McCoy and Mike Martinez. The offensive line is young, but super talented. The backfield is loaded with 2019 Oregon commit Sean Dollars and last year's leading rusher returning in Shakobe Harper.

• The defense was dealt a huge blow before the season even started with Mase Funa suffering an injury, but the Monarchs are still loaded. The addition of Jacobah Fuamatu will be huge for Rollinson in 2018. Mater Dei will have one of the best secondaries in the country with Ricks, Green-Warren, 2019 Oregon commit Jeremiah Criddell and William Nimmo, the leader of the secondary.