PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 65 Converse Judson

65. Judson (Converse, Texas)
Last season’s record: 11-5, Class 5A/I runner-up
Coach: Jim Rackley
Key players: LB Chris McAllister (6-2, 215, Sr.), LB William Thornton (6-0, 200, Sr.), DB Erik Brown (5-10, 180, Sr.), OT Ameer Townes (6-0, 300, Sr.), QB Chris Patton (5-11, 165, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Defense
Question mark: Inexperience on offense
Outlook: Eight defensive starters return for the Rockets, who have won six state championships and played for another five titles since 1980. It’s a talented group that helped push nationally ranked Euless Trinity to its limit before losing, 13-10, in last season’s 5A/I final. Judson will be particularly strong at linebacker. McAllister, a Texas recruit, led the defense with 83 tackles including 10 for losses as a junior. Thornton also made plenty of big stops and earned all-district plaudits. Brown is a Division I cornerback prospect who intercepted seven passes. All-district tackle Townes leads an offensive line with only one returning starter. Patton brings 4.5 speed to the QB position, but has no starting experience.
Toughest games: Aug. 28 vs. Warren, Sept. 5 at Smithson Valley, Sept. 12 vs. Pflugerville