PrepNation.com continues the most comprehensive package of preseason high school football rankings ever published. We are counting down the PrepNation 101 Preseason High School Football Rankings, from No. 101 to No. 26, leading up to the release of the official preseason National Prep Poll on August 3.
23. Independence (Charlotte, N.C.)
Last season: 13-1, Class 4AA state semifinalist
Coach: Tom Knotts
Key players: QB Anthony Carrothers (5-9, 170, Sr.), RB NyJee Flemming (5-10, 185, Jr.), OL Ryan Thompson (5-11, 200, Sr.), LB Courtland Carson (6-0, 210, Sr.), DL-LB Jeremy Inglesi (6-0, 190, Sr.), WR Kierre Brown (5-9, 155, Sr.), WR Adrian Gimble (6-2, 175, Jr.)
Outlook: The Patriots are hoping to get back to business as usual, which for them is winning state championships. Knotts led Independence to 109 straight wins between 2000-2007 and seven consecutive state championships. But the Patriots have fallen short the last two seasons, which must seem like an eternity to the folks in and around Mint Hill. Look for an offense with seven returning starters to flourish with three-year starting QB Carrothers running the show on the field and Knotts’ former offensive coordinator Aaron Brand returning to the Indy chalkboard. Though Carrothers lacks ideal height for a passing QB, he threw for more than 4,000 yards and 47 touchdowns last season and has more than 6,700 yards and 64 touchdowns for his career. There are also two new offensive weapons in juniors Flemming and Gimble, both of whom already have Division I offers. The offensive line is anchored by Thompson, a three-time All-Charlotte area guard. Division I-caliber LB Carson leads a group of four returning starters on defense. The Patriots will be tested early in the season when they travel to face defending South Carolina 4A/II champion No. 94 South Pointe (Rock Hill) on September 4.
1 comment:
The Sharks will Kill them Deep!!!! Go Big I!!!!!
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