MaxPreps 2017 Tennessee preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Top 10 Plays of the Year
See Brentwood Academy's Gavin Schoenwald with one of the best plays of 2016.


1. Brentwood Academy
2016 record: 10-2
Head coach: Cody White

The Eagles won their second-consecutive Division II Class AA state title in 2016 — the school's 12th state crown.
Chance for a three-peat are promising as Brentwood Academy returns four key players from last season's title team.

The Eagles have senior wide receiver Camron Johnson (a Vanderbilt commit) coming back. He'll need someone to throw him the rock and that might very well be Gavin Schoenwald, a 6-foot-5, 225 pound athlete who also has committed to Vandy. Schoenwald was a tight end last season (34 catches for 329 yards and four scores).

Rising senior linebacker Jackson Sirmon also returns for the Eagles, as does cornerback/wide receiver Daniel Taylor.
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2. Whitehaven (Memphis)
2016 record: 15-0
Head coach: Rodney Saulsberry

The Tigers rolled through the 2016 season, going 15-0 and holding up the Division 1 Class 6A state championship trophy at the end of the year.

Whitehaven lost a handful of seniors, including quarterback Lesley Mosby and running back Kylan Watkins, but the cupboard isn't entirely bare. Vincent Guy looks to be the replacement at quarterback.

Defensive backs Rayshad Williams (44 tackles) and wideout C.J. Biggins are both back, as is linebacker Bryson Eason who had 45 tackles as freshman last season.

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3. Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
2016 record: 10-3
Head coach: Marty Euverard

Senior quarterback Ty Allen is back to lead Big Red after throwing for 1,074 yards and nine TDs last season as Bell lost 42-38 to Brentwood in the Division II-AA title game.

One question is how to replace Tennessee commit Ty Chandler's 2,252 yards rushing and 39 scores.
Michael McGuire was the second-leading rusher for Bell with nearly 300 yards and three scores as a junior.

Senior strong safety Gordon Pollock is the leading returning tackler for Big Red after posting 70 tackles and two interceptions. Senior corner Fenner Pollock led Bell last season with four INTs.

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4. Lausanne Collegiate (Memphis)
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Kevin Locastro

The Lynx return eight starters on offense from last seaon's II-A title team, including running back Eric Gray. The rising junior ran for 2,215 yards and 38 TDs in 2016.

Sky Forest looks to take over under center after backing up Mario Nolan-Dillard last season. Forest three three TD and completed 14-of-29 passes for 260 yards. Devin Boddie Jr. is the leading returning receiver after catching four touchdowns last season while hauling in 23 balls for 306 yards.

Lausanne will be anchored on the lines by 6-5, 270 pound senior tackle Parker Pulliam and Josh Crawford is a 6-0, 260 monster at DT.

Rising senior Nyle Love is also one to watch for at outside linebacker this season.

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5. Maryville
2016 record: 13-1
Head coach: Derek Hunt

The Rebels have unfinished business after being bounced in the 6-A semifinals.
Maryville returns two skill players in quarterback Dylan Hopkins and running back Isaiah Cobb, both rising seniors.

Tommy Smith and Riley Gennoe will be looked upon to replace TD Blackmon, who will play for Air Force. Dillon Hildebrand, a 6-8, 340 defensive tackle and guard should be a force to be reckoned with.