MaxPreps 2014 Utah preseason football Fab 5

1. Bingham (South Jordan)
Head coach: Dave Peck
2013 finish: 14-0, beat Brighton 38-13 in Class 5A final
Team preview

There's a good reason Bingham is a clear favorite to repeat as the Class 5A champion. Few teams can match the talent and depth that the Miners have across the board. Six starters return on defense, highlighted by three-year starters Daniel Langi and Kade Cloward. Langi had 103 tackles and six sacks in 2013 while Cloward tallied 90 tackles and five interceptions a year ago. Offensive production should not miss a beat for Bingham in 2014. Cameron Smith, a senior transfer from Cherokee Trail High, headlines a talent-laden backfield. Smith rushed for 1,643 yards and 22 touchdowns in Colorado last season. It will give senior quarterback Kyle Gearig another weapon to unleash on opponents. Gearig enjoyed a breakout junior season in 2013, passing for 1,876 yards and 28 touchdowns while also rushing for 730 yards and 13 touchdowns. When it comes to determining the state's best quarterback, Bingham coach Dave Peck believes Gearig wins the argument. He sees him as a lynchpin for success in 2014.

"It's all starts with the quarterback," Peck said. "He just brings confidence to that whole group."

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2. Brighton (Salt Lake City)
Head coach: Ryan Bullett
2013 finish: 12-2, lost to Bingham 38-13 in Class 5A final
Team preview

A shoulder injury kept Osa Masina from playing to his full potential last season. That revelation will be enough to give opposing teams nightmares when the Bengals take the field. Masina suffered a separated shoulder in the second quarter of the season opener against American Fork last season. It limited his ability to wrap up on tackles, which limited what he could do in practice.

"He couldn't do tackling drills last year," Bullett said. "He didn't do them the whole season. He'll be a little bit better for us on defense."

Masina at 100 percent will make him a force for Brighton on both sides of the ball. The senior linebacker tallied 87 tackles and 4.5 sacks on defense in 2013. He was an equal force on offense, totaling 1,643 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 222 carries. Plenty of talented players will be on hand to team with Masina. Junior receiver Drew Jensen and senior quarterback Robbie Hutchins both return as offensive playmakers. Jensen will team with Masina and sophomore linebacker Sione Heimuli-Lund to anchor the Bengal defense.

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3. Timpview (Provo)
Head coach: Cary Whittingham
2013 finish: 13-1, beat East 33-28 in Class 4A final
Team preview

Inexperience is a defining word for Timpview this season. The Thunderbirds return just one starter on offense and three starters on defense. Then again, when those players are among the best in Utah at their respective positions, it generates enough confidence to make the two-time defending state champs a favorite to contend for yet another Class 4A title. On defense, Timpview returns Gabe Reid to anchor the line. Reid led the team in tackles (79) and sacks (15.5) in 2013. Kainoa Tu'ua and Isaiah Holloway are also returning starters at linebacker and in the secondary, respectively.
Britain Covey is the lone returning offensive starter and he is probably the best choice to return for Timpview. Covey threw for 1,890 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior. He proved an equal threat on the ground, running for 1,264 yards and 18 touchdowns.

"It's always great to have your quarterback coming back," Timpview coach Cary Whittingham said. "Britain himself is probably worth three or four returning starters. That's a bonus for us he's got one more year."

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4. Jordan (Sandy)
Head coach: Eric Kjar
2013 finish: 7-6, Lost to Brighton 44-20 in Class 5A semifinal
Team preview

It would be a major surprise if Austin Kafentzis does not own the bulk of Utah's high school passing records before his senior season ends. The Wisconsin commit has already thrown for 9,024 yards and 74 touchdowns over three seasons. If that was not enough, Kafentzis has proven to be a true dual threat quarterback with career totals of 4,895 yards and 75 touchdowns on 703 carries. Jordan coach Eric Kjar admits putting together an offensive game plan is relatively simple when a quarterback like Kafentzis is in the mix.

"It's fun because he can do so many things," Kjar said. "He's very versatile. He's very athletic with his running. He's throwing well and he's quick. And he's strong kid too – a kid who can withstand a little bit of punishment that might happen from running the ball."

Kafentzis should put up great numbers again with four returning starters on the offensive line. He will also get more help on the defensive side of the ball. Five starters return, led by defensive backs Cooper Clark and Tayler Johnson, who combined for 127 tackles in 2013.

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5. East (Salt Lake City)
Head coach: Brandon Matich
2013 finish: 13-1, lost to Timpview 33-28 in Class 4A final
Team preview

Replicating the high-powered offensive attack that made East so formidable a year ago will present a challenge. The Leopards averaged a state-best 49.5 points per game in 2013. Only three offensive starters return from that high-powered unit.

"It's a new squad," East coach Brandon Matich said. "That's part of high school football – putting together the puzzle and finding out how those pieces are going to work together. There's a lot of talent, but it's youthful talent."

Offensive success will hinge upon how well the backfield comes together. Lorenzo Manu steps into the quarterback spot after leading the team in interceptions (11) in 2013. He will count on a stable of green running backs – led by Copper Hills transfer John Mafi – to give the triple option teeth.

East's defense will keep it going strong while the offense matures. Stanford commit Christian Folau returns at linebacker to lead the defense. Folau was a team leader in tackles (146) and sacks (11.5) last season. Nevada commit Hausia Sekona leads a deep and experienced defensive line.

John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can contact him at john_coon@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports.