It's been two months since the release of the MaxPreps Preseason Top 25 Early Contenders presented by Eastbay, and plenty has happened across the national high school football landscape.
If the rankings were redone today, there would probably be some movement among the ranked teams, as well as some teams rising into and falling out of the Top 25.
Here's some buzz surrounding top teams that will factor into rankings adjustments when the season gets underway in August.
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Servite (Anaheim, Calif.), already the top-ranked team in Southern California, received welcomed news when junior cornerback/running back
Micah Croom transferred to the Anaheim school.
His departure from Long Beach Poly leaves a big hole for the Jackrabbits, who still will be one of the area's top teams.
Croom's addition to the Servite secondary is huge, particularly when you consider that A.J. Gass' squad has to go up against pass-happy teams such as St. John Bosco and Mater Dei.
*One team on Servite's schedule,
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), has also gotten better, thanks to the addition of two Southern California transplants.
Former Poway standouts
Tate Martell and
Tyjon Lindsey relocated to Las Vegas and have enrolled at Bishop Gorman, head coach Tony Sanchez confirmed to MaxPreps.
Martell, a touted youth quarterback, provides the Gaels with even further depth at the position.
Lindsey has a better chance to make a more immediate impact. He was a
MaxPreps Freshman All-American last season and could be yet another receiving target for quarterback
Danny Hong.
Throw in
Top 50 freshman
Brendan Radley-Hines and it's clear Bishop Gorman has even more weapons than previously believed.
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St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.) debuted in the rankings behind rival Don Bosco Prep, but the Marauders have enjoyed a much better summer.
Led by quarterback
Brandon Wimbush, Rich Hansen's squad took home the title at the Rutgers 7-on-7 tournament, emerging victorious from a field of over 90 teams. St. Peter's Prep followed it up with a victory in the South Bergen Shootout, while Wimbush showcased arguably the most powerful arm at Nike's The Opening.
St. Peter's Prep has a strong argument for a No. 1 state ranking and a higher national placement.
*Speaking of 7-on-7s,
Easton (New Orleans) took home the title of the National Select 7-on-7, one of the biggest such events in the country. The team has the talent to compete for a state title in Louisiana, but is behind several more proven programs in the state to begin the season.
*Several individual performances could enhance team outlooks for a few Top 25 programs.
Josh Sweat of No. 24
Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) looked sensational at The Opening, drawing comparisons to Jadeveon Clowney. He's an even bigger asset for the Tigers than predicted earlier.
The same can likely be said about
Byron Cowart for No. 25
Armwood (Seffner, Fla.), who dominated offensive lineman after offensive lineman in Beaverton.
Overall, however, the MaxPreps Preseason Top 25 Early Contenders has remained largely unchanged. Take another look at the list as we inch closer and closer to the start of high school football.
MaxPreps Preseason Top 25 Early Contenders, presented by Eastbay
