PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 31 Union

31. Union (Tulsa, Okla.)

Last season’s record: 13-1, Class 6A runner-up

Coach: Kirk Fridrich

Key players: RB Jeremy Smith (5-11, 203, Sr.), OT Brian Deshane (6-4, 280, Sr.), WR Anthony Foster (5-10, 170, Sr.), WR/TE Tracy Moore (6-3, 215, Sr.), WR/DB Howard Scarborough (5-8, 160, Sr.), DB Randy Stanley (5-9, 170, Sr.), OL Garrett Fuggett (6-0, 280, Sr.), QB Chase Boyce (5-11, 175, Jr.), DB Daniel Hauser (5-11, 180, Sr.)

Biggest strength: Skill players, running game

Question mark: Inexperience at QB, DL and LB

Outlook: The Redskins, who own three of the last six Class 6A state titles, return eight starters. Five regulars are back on offense, led by Oklahoma State recruit Smith. As a junior, he ran for 1,744 yards (including 548 yards in four playoff games) and 20 touchdowns. All three starting receivers – Foster, Moore and Scarborough – are also Division I prospects. The offense line is led by two veterans in Tulsa recruit Deshane and Fuggett. Spring practice failed to determine a definite starter at quarterback but Boyce, last year’s second-stringer, might have the inside track. Union’s 3-3-5 defense benefits by the return of three starting defensive backs.

Toughest games: Sept. 12 vs. Jenks, Sept. 19 at Muskogee, Sept. 26 vs. Stillwater, Oct. 3 at Owasso