PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 10 North Shore

10. North Shore (Houston)
Last season’s record: 14-1, lost in Class 5A/I semifinals
Coach: David Aymond
Key players: DT Thaddeus Randle (6-1, 260, Sr.), TE Barrett Matthews (6-2, 235, Sr.), DB Andrae May (6-1, 180, Sr.), LB Daniel Salinas (6-1, 195, Sr.), OL Trey Hopkins (6-3, 255, Jr.), DB Eric Ruben (5-9, 170, Sr.), QB Alex Tillman (5-10, 180, Sr.), RB Deaundre Jones (5-7, 170, Sr.), LB Brandon Briscoe (6-2, 210, Jr.), WR Deandrew White (5-11, 165, Jr.), RB Tracy Woods (5-11, 200, Jr.), DE Terrance Kindle (6-3, 220, Sr.), OL Jason Clayton (6-1, 310, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Defense, team speed
Question mark: Inexperience at QB
Outlook: The Mustangs enter the year with a 70-game regular season winning streak but have won only one state championship during that period. Another title could be added this year with a group of 13 returning starters that includes at least seven Division I prospects in the senior class. Opponents will find it tough to establish a running game against North Shore's defensive line, featuring Nebraska recruit Randle at tackle. Talented linebackers return to their starting roles with Briscoe and all-district honoree Salinas. The secondary is stocked with good athletes including Oklahoma State-bound safety May. The least experienced player in the starting lineup might be the quarterback, Tillman, who has great speed but saw only limited action as a junior. Both starting running backs return to duty including Jones, who had 1,405 total yards and 11 touchdowns. The offensive line should be solid with a pair of returning starters in Hopkins and Clayton.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 vs. SW No. 19 Katy, Sept. 5 at SW No. 25 Eisenhower, Sept. 27 at No. 41 Southlake Carroll, Nov. 7 at West Brook