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

Video: 2017 Early Contenders — No. 15 Cass Tech
See Zack Poff break down what's up for 2017 for Michigan power Cass Tech.


1. Cass Tech (Detroit)
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Thomas Wilcher

The Detroit power has proven to be one of the best teams from Michigan year in and year out, and is loaded with talent even after losing 5-star wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and 3-star quarterback Rodney Hall.

Kalon Gervin, a 4-star defensive back, is one of the best shut down corners in the country, Aaron Jackson gets the keys to the quarterback position and DeAndre Square is a big-time playmaker on defense.

Expect a monster season from the Southfield AT&T transfer Brandon Gray, and it's no wonder Cass Tech has a good chance to defend its Division 1 state title this season.
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2. Catholic Central (Novi)
2016 record: 13-1
Head coach: Dan Anderson

Anderson takes over for the Shamrocks, replacing legendary Tom Mach who retired after 41 seasons and 10 state titles.

Back for the Shamrocks is rising junior quarterback Austin Brown and senior wideout Kevin Korte. Up front, 6-7, 290-pound tackle Nick Carey is back with a bevy of Division I offers.

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3. Utica Eisenhower (Shelby Township)
2016 record: 12-1
Head coach: Chris Smith

Max Wittwer is back after leading the Eagles to a deep postseason run last year.

Eisenhower lost Jack Provencher to graduation, but could look to rising senior Sebastian Puta or junior Caleb Oyster to fill that void.

On the line, 6-4, 280-pound guard/tackle Derian Doherty should lead the Eagles in the trenches.

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4. King (Detroit)
2016 record: 12-2
Head coach: Ty Spencer

The Crusaders are loaded heading into 2017.

Quarterback Dequan Finn is back for his senior season. King has the defensive backfield on lockdown with a pair of DBs in Jaeveyon Morton and Erik Gibson, who also both play wideout.

Defensive end Maurice White is part of King's strength – both sides of the line.

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5. St. Mary Prep (Orchard Lake)
2016 record: 10-4
Head coach: George Porritt

The Eaglets lost a lot on the defensive side of the ball, but have their quarterback and running back for 2017.
Rising senior quarterback Caden Prieskorn is back under center, along with running back Rashawn Allen.

Returning outside linebacker Ky'ren Cunningham should help staunch some of the defensive losses, including Joshua Ross and Dwayne Chapman.