USA

12-5A Division I Football Preview: LBJ Is Ready For Breakout Year

2019 12-5A Division I Projected Finishes

Austin LBJ Early College Jaguars

Dripping Springs Tigers

Austin McCallum Knights

Seguin Matadors

Austin Crockett Early College Cougars

Austin Northeast Early College Raiders

Austin Navarro Early College Vikings

Austin Travis Early College Rebels

Preseason Awards

MVP: Austin McCallum QB Cole Davis

Defensive MVP: Austin LBJ Early College DB Sean Fresch

Sleeper Team: Austin Crockett Early College

The Prospectus

Austin LBJ Early College shared the 12-5A Division I title with Dripping Springs and Seguin in 2018, but will be the favorite for the outright crown in 2019. TheJaguars have 13 returning starters, plus a 2020 Rice commit in defensive back/receiver Sean Fresch, a 2021 Alabama commit in defensive back/receiver Latrell McCutchin and a 2021 FBS recruit in receiver Andrew Mukuba. Other players to watch arelinebacker Lamael Hicks and tight end Edward Thompson.

Dripping Springs earned a piece of the12-5A Division I title in 2018 and will stay in contention for another one in 2019. The Tigers only have seven returning starters, soquarterback/receiver Cameron O'Banan, running back Curtis Cox,linebacker/tight end Jakob Joy anddefensive lineman Colby Collins are expected to have big roles in continuing their program's winning tradition.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

Austin McCallum won six games and recorded a UIL 5A Division I bi-district finish in 2018, so it's pushing for another playoff appearance in 2019. The Knights still have quarterback Cole Davis andtwo-way lineman Alvino Carbajal, plus other notable players in receiver Darius Lewis and linebacker/defensive back Zach Napier.

Seguin is coming off its first winning season, playoff appearance and district title since 2006, so it's excited to build off that success in 2019. TheMatadors have nine returning starters, and notable players in quarterback Jhalen Mickles, linemen Josh Avalos, Chance Brewster and Daniel Gonzalez,running backs Marques Washington and Tavawn Williams, defensive back Desvonn Smith and receiver Dravan McKnight.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

Austin Crockett Early College only won four games in 2018, but its 14 returning starters will help it chase a playoff spot in 2019. The Cougars have versatile athletes in Patrick Ray, Messiah Moss, Christian Rivera, Jerimiah Moore,Jacob Azurdia, Terry Brown and Andrew Jones, plus other notable players in linebacker James P. Hudson Jr. and quarterback Michael Newton.

Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.

Austin Northeast Early College, which was previous calledAustin Reagan Early College, won a pair of games in 2018, but its 11 returning starters is a good starting point for the 2019 season. The Raiders will lean on running back Angus Christian, quarterback David Rivera, defensive back Markel Joiner and linebacker Javone Hodges.

Austin Navarro Early College, which was previous namedAustin Lanier Early College, earned a non-district and district win in 2018, so its 13 returning starters plan to pick up more victories in 2019. The Vikings have multiple playmakers on their roster, including tight end Zack Heimann, offensive lineman Angel Espinosa and defensive backs Jaimron Monroe andVictor Herrera.

Austin Travis Early College didn't win a game in 2018, but its 14 returning starters is a promising sign for the 2019 season. The Rebels need big years fromrunning back/defensive back Darian McFerrin, quarterback Steven Lopez, receiver Jaylen Crayton and defensive back Paul Ekanga to get back into the win column.

For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX@VYPESATX) on Twitter.

Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.