24. Hoover (Ala.) - Full preview 
Devon Earl brings leadership to Hoover's secondary. The unit will be a strength of this year's team.
Photo by Joe Boyd
Strengths: Hoover’s defense is going to be very good this fall. The secondary returns
Devon Earl, who quarterbacks the team’s defense. He’s joined by sensational cornerback
Marlon Humphrey, who has drawn comparisons to the likes of Champ Bailey and Dre Kirkpatrick.
Jamal Lucas and
Landry Tullo return at linebacker. The Bucs need to plug some holes in the middle up front, but with 250 players out for spring ball, coach Josh Niblett will have options.
Question marks: The offense struggled at times last season, so it will need to improve this year without one of its top playmakers, receiver Caleb Sims. With good speed,
Alfonzo Steele should be a playmaker. It will help to have quarterback
Connor Short returning.
Outlook: Hoover has been a remarkably consistent program but has fallen short the last two seasons, losing in the state finals by one point in each game. With a solid mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, a Class 6A state title could be in the cards.
