MaxPreps 2013 Minnesota preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Minnesota Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Eden Prairie
Head coach: Mike Grant
2012 finish: 11-2; Class AAAAAA state champion
Team preview

Mike Grant flirted with pursuing a head coaching job on the college level this offseason. His return, coupled with an impressive roster, should have Eden Prairie back battling for a state title. Ryan Connelly played mostly defensive end last year but is expected to slide into the quarterback role. After running all over opposing defenses last year, 6-foot-1, 220-pound Anthony Anderson also returns. Six-foot-five tight end Zach Hovey is yet another weapon in the arsenal.

See the Top 15 Minnesota football dynasties

2. Totino-Grace (Fridley)
Head coach: Jeff Ferguson
2012 finish: 14-0; Class AAAAA state champion
Team preview

In the midst of Totino-Grace’s state title run last year, numerous underclassmen gained valuable experience, meaning this year’s squad should pick up where it last left off. Running backs Carlton Djam and Kai Barber, who combined for over 800 yards rushing last year, will get an opportunity to shoulder a greater load. The team’s defensive line is almost entirely intact, highlighted by 6-5, 300-pound defensive tackle Jd Hilger.

See our Minnesota football professional football galleries

3. Lakeville North (Lakeville)
Head coach: Brian Vossen
2012 finish: 11-3; Class AAAAAA finalist
Team preview

After rushing for 1,285 yards and 22 touchdowns last fall, Jamiah Newell could approach 2,000 yards in his senior season. On defense, Lakeville North has another returner with eye-popping stats: defensive lineman Gregory Menard registered 14 sacks a year ago. Jesse Cardenas, a 6-2 junior, could develop into a force at linebacker. Once again, Lakeville North will open up with rival Lakeville South.

See last season's Minnesota football playoff brackets

4. Wayzata (Plymouth)
Head coach: Brad Anderson
2012 finish: 10-2
Team preview

Wayzata has been remarkably consistent under head coach Brad Anderson, playing for state titles in five of the last eight seasons and winning three times. Starting quarterback Nick Olmanson is back for his senior season. Anderson will need to find replacements for Jeff Borchardt and Matt Blanchard, two of Olmanson’s top targets. However, the defense should be solid, returning Kyle Kalivoda (three interceptions) in the secondary and Drew Greely (51 tackles) upfront.

See last season's final Minnesota football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

5. Cretin-Derham Hall
Head coach: Mike Scanlan
2012 finish: 6-3
Team preview

After a disappointing 2012 campaign, traditional powerhouse Cretin-Derham Hall should be improved in 2013. Quarterback Ricardo Johnson Ii will replace Conor Rhoda, who walked on at Minnesota. Edward Penson and Joseph Wagner are two big bodies who return up front. Sophomores Jojo Garcia and Brison White could contribute at guard and running back respectively. On defense, Cretin-Derham Hall features Jashon Cornell, a physical specimen at defensive end who is among the nation’s top junior recruits.

See last season's Minnesota All-League football teams