MaxPreps 2013 Florida preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Florida Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Central (Miami)
Head coach: Roland Smith
2012 finish: 12-2; Class 6A state champion
Team preview

In 2013, Central will be competing for a national title in addition to a state title. The Rockets have a new coach, Roland Smith, who is extremely familiar with the Miami high school football landscape. He inherits a roster teeming with talent, led by running back duo Joseph Yearby and Dalvin Cook. Games against Booker T. Washington and Don Bosco Prep won’t be easy, but if this team approaches the playoffs unbeaten, a national title will be within its sights come December.

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2. Washington (Miami)
Head coach: Tim "Ice" Harris
2012 finish: 13-1, Class 5A state champion
Team preview

If not for a loss to Central last season, Booker T. Washington would be riding a 14-game winning streak and could be even higher in the national rankings than where it currently resides (No. 9.). It lost several key players from last year’s squad, but the Tornadoes return quarterback Treon Harris, linebacker Chad Thomas, and a wealth of offensive talent and play-makers in the secondary. This team is a heavy favorite for another state title and has a good chance at a national title as well.

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3. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale)
Head coach: Rocco Casullo
2012 finish: 13-2; Class 7A state champion
Team preview

After a rocky start, St. Thomas Aquinas improved immensely last season, highlighted by a victory over then-national No. 1 Manatee and an eventual Class 7A state title. The defense will be stout and well-coached, led by defensive tackle Anthony Moten and defensive back Al Harris. Madre London returns at running back. Quarterback Wade Freebeck and receiver Devante Peete are key transfers.

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4. Apopka
Head coach: Rick Darlington
2012 finish: 13-2; Class 8A state champion
Team preview

Apopka can light up the scoreboard. The team posted 45 or more points in four of its final five games. With quarterback Zach Darlington returning, the offense should be even more potent. However, the team’s defense, which struggled at times in 2012, will need to improve. A season-opening matchup against Byrnes in South Carolina will give a good indication of how good Apopka might be in 2013.

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5. University (Fort Lauderdale)
Head coach: Roger Harriott
2012 finish: 13-0; Class 3A state champion
Team preview

In just a few years, University has risen to the top of the Florida high school football scene. Head coach Roger Harriott has built a program capable of competing with the big boys in larger classifications. This fall, transfer Sean White will lead the offense, but he’ll have running back Jordan Scarlett and receiver Sam Bruce. The defense features defensive back Quincy Wilson and linebacker Richard Yeargin, a Notre Dame commit.

See every Florida FBS football signee from 2013 National Signing Day