Video: Tyler Buchner highlights See the 2021 Notre Dame commit in action.
Even with so many question marks surrounding the 2020 high school football season in California, it's never too early to look at the Golden State's best.
Mater Dei (Santa Ana) and St. John Bosco (Bellflower) begin the year ranked
Nos. 2 and
3, respectively, and combined for 17 of the 54 spots on the preseason All-State team.
Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth), well-known for what it does on the basketball court, also has become one of the top football programs in California. They have the third-most selections with four.
Centennial (Corona) and Servite (Anaheim) were the only other schools with at least three selections. The Huskies begin the year ranked at
No. 15 and the
Friars check in at No. 23.
In total, 28 schools are represented with the Monarchs leading the way nine selections.
Beaux Collins, St. John Bosco
File photo by Louis Lopez
First Team Offense
The 2021 Notre Dame commit racked up over 6,000 yards of total offense and 81 touchdowns as a junior. He transferred to Helix for his senior season and will have the Highlanders in serious contention to win first state title since 2011.
Recently transferred to the Santa Ana power and the 2021 USC commit is the first of six Monarchs selected on the first team.
Checks in as the top-rated running back in the Class of 2022. Put up big-time numbers during his first two years at Edison (Stockton, Calif.).
One of the most complete running backs in high school football. Top-rated back on the West Coast from the Class of 2021.
The 2021 Clemson commit averaged more than 24 yards per reception as a junior for the defending national champs.
The 5-star Oregon commit is the third-rated wide receiver in the country.
Accounted for nearly 1,500 all-purpose yards in 2019.
Made an impact on the offensive line for the No. 1 team in the country as a sophomore.
The 2021 Colorado State commit has been dominating opposing defensive lineman since his freshman season.
Recently committed to Arizona and was a key contributor for the Diablos as a junior.
The 2021 USC commit is one of the top offensive tackles in high school football.
OL — Edward Riley, St. John Bosco (Bellflower) | 5-11 | 275 | Sr. One of the most underrated players in the nation has been dominating opponents in the Trinity League since his sophomore season.
Has over 2,000 yards receiving, 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over the last two years.
K — Josh Bryan, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) | 6-2 | 185 | Sr. Connected on 11 field goals and averaged nearly 40 yards per punt last season. Also played some linebacker and had 40 tackles.
Korey Foreman, Corona Centennial
File photo by Louis Lopez
First Team Defense
The top overall recruit from the Class of 2021 on 247Sports composite rankings.
DL — Nate Burrell, St. John Bosco (Bellflower) | 6-2 | 250 | Jr. Was a key player on the Braves' defensive line as a sophomore.
The 2021 Texas A&M commit is one of the most dominate players in the trenches.
Racked up 99 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and 19 sacks in 2019.
The 2021 LSU commit is one of the most versatile defensive players in the game.
LB — Ma'a Gaoteote, St. John Bosco (Bellflower) | 6-2 | 220 | Sr. Made the most important play of the season for the defending national champs last year with a sack fumble against Bryce Young and Mater Dei (Santa Ana) to win the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship.
The 2021 Oregon State commit had 91 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and three interceptions for the 11-1 Diablos.
Has been a shutdown cornerback since his sophomore season playing against top-tier competition.
Checks in as the No. 2 cornerback in the Class of 2022 and is a Top 15 player overall.
One of the most polished defensive backs in the country.
Big-time player on both sides of the ball. Posted 45 tackles, six interceptions and accounted for over 1,000 total yards on offense.
The recent Washington commit is one of the best all-around players in the nation.
Led the state with an average of 47.1 yards per punt as a junior and also pinned 30-of-50 punts inside the opponents 20.
Chayden Peery, Sierra Canyon
File photo by Samuel Mawanda
Second Team Offense
The 2021 Georgia Tech commit has thrown for nearly 6,300 yards and 36 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
The 2021 USC commit is one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
Put up big-time numbers as a sophomore playing against top-notch competition. Threw for over 2,800 yards and 37 touchdowns.
RB — Rayshon Luke, St. John Bosco (Bellflower) | 5-8 | 160 | Jr. Expect a monster junior season for the 4-star who led the Braves in rushing last year and should see even more carries in 2019.
Had nearly 1,000 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns for the CIF Division 1-AA state champs.
The 2021 Oregon commit is one of the toughest covers in the country because of his size and speed.
Checks in as the top-rated prospect in California from the Class of 2022.
Transferred from JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano) and gives Fifita another big-time playmaker.
OL — Maximus Gibbs, St. John Bosco (Bellflower) | 6-6 | 375 | Sr. "Big Max" is one of nine USC commits featured on the preseason all-state team and was a key factor for the Braves championship run in 2019.
OL — BJ Tolo, Mater Dei (Santa Ana) | 6-1 | 290 | So.
Will be one of the biggest steals for any college program from the Class of 2021.
The 4-star recruit checks in as the top-rated offensive guard in California.
Even with Moss transferring to Mater Dei (Santa Ana) expect the Warriors to have one of the best offenses in the state because of a strong offensive line led by the future Trojan.
AP — Jaylin Smith, Alemany (Mission Hills) | 5-11 | 180 | Sr. Makes a huge impact on all three phases of the game.
One of the key returners for the Spartans. Big-time playmaker at wide receiver and in the secondary.
Prophet Brown, Monterey Trail
File photo by Warren Hyde
Second Team Defense
Flies around the edge and is one of the toughest defensive ends to block in California.
The 4-star recently announced his Top 4 featuring Oregon, USC, UCLA and Stanford. He's set commit on July 11.
Dominates the trenches as well as any player in the country.
Made a huge impact on the defensive line for one of the best teams in high school football in 2019.
One of the best linebackers in the Class of 2021 has over 20 FBS offers.
LB — Jaden Genova, JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano) | 6-0 | 195 | Sr. The 3-star linebacker has racked up 162 tackles over the past two seasons.
Bo and Josh Calvert were both big-time players but the youngest Calvert could end up being the best of the trio.
The 4-star safety had 80 tackles and four interceptions as a sophomore.
Made an impact as a sophomore last season and will be the next Braves big-time defensive back.
The 2021 USC commit is one of the most well-rounded defensive players in the country.
The 4-star cornerback is also a big-time playmaker on offense. He accounted for over 1,100 total yards and 16 touchdowns to go with three interceptions.