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

Video: L'Christian "Blue" Smith highlights Wayne High School
See the uncommitted and highly touted receiver prospect in action last season.


1. Warren Central (Indianapolis)
2016 Record: 10-2
Head coach: Jayson West

Coming off 28-7 regional final loss to Center Grove, Warriors have talent to make another memorable postseason run. They must replace standout quarterback and running back tandem (Zach Summeier and Tristen Tonte) that accounted for 44 touchdowns last season, but talent remains — especially at the receiver position.

David Bell caught 68 passes for 1,201 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago and is considered the Hoosier State’s top junior prospect according to 247sports.com. He holds 11 offers, including Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Iowa. Senior receivers Dean Tate (51 receptions, 835 receiving yards, seven touchdowns) and Daijour Griffie (45, 609 and three, respectively) are also coming off big seasons.

Senior linebacker Nigel Dobbs returns after ranking second on the squad with 71 tackles. Defensive tackle Justin Britt is another one of the state’s top junior prospects. He holds offers from Iowa, Louisville and Indiana. 
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2. Ben Davis (Indianapolis)
2016 Record: 9-4
Head coach: Mike Kirschner

The Giants will try to build off of an impressive 51-21 win over Cathedral in the 6A regional finals last year.

Senior athlete Reese Taylor is one of the state’s top 10 senior prospects according to 247sports.com and holds 10 offers including Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota and Purdue. Last year Taylor threw for 2,730 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for 961 yards and 23 touchdowns.

The offense also features several seniors at the skill positions including running backs Joey Person (476 yards rushing, eight total touchdowns) and Johnny Adams (384 yards rushing, seven total touchdowns) and receivers Broc Thompson, Jermaine Hoskins and KeSean Tunstill.

The defense will lean on senior defensive back Elijah Ball (Purdue commit), senior linebacker Sir'Zion Dance (84 tackles), senior defensive back Rondell Allen (81 tackles) and senior defensive end Willie Ervin (62 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss).

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3. Carmel
2016 Record: 10-4
Head coach: John Herbert

The Greyhounds won their eighth state title and first since 2011 in historic fashion last year with a 16-13 overtime victory over defending Class 6A state champion Center Grove.

The offense returns a solid trio in senior quarterback Jake McDonald, senior running back Willy Schmidt and junior running back Camari Hunt.

Senior kicker Conner Coghlan is a good one. Last year he kicked two field goals in the state final, including the 27-yard game-winner in overtime.

The defense will feature junior defensive end Beau Robbins who holds 10 offers, including Northwestern, Michigan state, Louisville, Indiana, Purdue and Minnesota.

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4. Center Grove (Greenwood)
2016 record: 12-2
Head coach: Eric Moore

The Trojans will try to shake off the disappointment of last year’s Class 6A state final overtime loss to Carmel. Big wins over Warren Central and Ben Davis to reach the championship are building blocks.

The Wing-T based offense will need to replace personnel that accounted for 46 of 50 rushing touchdowns. A new quarterback and receiving corps will also be tested.

Junior kicker Luke Eckert is solid. He hit a 50-yarder in the closing seconds of regulation in last year’s state final to force overtime.

The defense must replace seven of its top nine tacklers.

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5. Lawrence Central (Indianapolis)
2016 record: 6-5
Head coach: William Peebles

The Bears reached the postseason last year and won a first round game (beat North Central) before falling to Cathedral in the 6A playoffs.

Expectations remain high with the return of standout senior quarterback Donyell Meredith II and versatile junior athlete Lashon Bright. Meredith threw for 2,233 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, while Bright threw for three touchdowns, ran for five and had four receiving. Senior running back John Childs III (431 yards rushing) will get his share of touches.

The senior trio of safety Manny Bellamy (68 tackles), linebacker Cameron Mcgrone (52 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss) and lineman Kavonta Murray (52 tackles) leads the defense.