2016 Michigan Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Top 25 preseason early contenders - No. 22 Cass Tech
See why the Technicians are a national title contender

1. Cass Tech (Detroit)
Head coach: Thomas Wilcher
2015 record: 12-3
Team preview

Cass Tech enters the season with a bitter taste in its mouth after falling in the Division I state final last season. But the No. 22 Technicians return 13 starters, one of the top playmakers in the country and a dominant defense.

The Technicians have a talent-rich roster that includes 16 players with a college offer. But none more notable than the nation's top-rated receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. The do-it-all playmaker hauled in 30 catches for 714 yards and 11 touchdowns in Cass Tech's first 10 games last year. The Technicians also bring back quarterback Rodney Hall, who totaled more than 3,300 yards and 37 total touchdowns last season. They might have the best secondary in the state with the nation's No. 15 safety Jaylen Kelly-Powell and Penn State commit Donovan Johnson blanketing the field. Also look for Syracuse-bound linebacker Zachary Morton to dish out some pain.

Cass Tech kicks off the season with a huge test against Oak Park, one of the most talented teams in the state.

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2. King (Detroit)
Head coach: Dale Harvel
2015 record: 14-0
Team preview

King capped off an undefeated season last year by claiming the Division 2 state title. The Crusaders will go for the repeat and dedeicate this season to their famed head coach, Darel Harvel, who died during the offseason.

Ambry Thomas will head King's stout defense, and the nation's No. 12 cornerback is a versatile playmaker on both sides of the ball. The Crusaders are an extremely experienced and tough bunch that will be a force to be reckoned with.

Oct. 1 marks a big-time showdown with Cass Tech, the No. 22 team in the country.

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3. Lowell
Head coach: Noel Dean
2015 record: 14-2
Team preview

Lowell finished last season with a loss to King in the Division 2 state championship. The Red Arrows' high-octane offense averaged over 40 points per game last year, twice breaking the 55-point barrier. Lowell's defense also recorded four shutouts and returns an experienced squad this season.

Oct. 7 is a huge test against Forest Hills Central, a district rival.

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4. St. Mary Prep (Orchard Lake)
Head coach: George Porritt
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview St. Mary Prep completed last season by capturing its second-straight Division 3 state championship. The Eaglets return the nation's No. 9 inside linebacker Joshua Ross, and he shuts everything down. Look for St. Mary Prep to make a strong push for a three-peat.

Sept. 23 marks a long-awaited rematch with De La Salle Collegiate, the only team to beat the Eaglets last season.

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5. Catholic Central (Novi)
Head coach: Tom Mach
2015 record: 9-3
Team preview

Catholic Central reached the Division 1 Regional Final last year. The Shamrocks return an explosive offense that eclipsed the 40-point barrier five times last season and the battle-tested group should contend for a state title.

Oct. 7 is a huge date with St. Mary Prep, the reigning Division 3 state champion.