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Nice summary, although size of an offensive lineman doesn't equate to the quality of play. Highlands best O lines over the years have been average (at best) in size. The all state O lineman from Highlands this past year just happened to be the smallest O lineman. But Highlands has one of, if not the, best O line coach in the state, so I expect the O line to be very good. I do think the O line this Fall favors Harris' running style. If they can move their feet well enough to pass block adequately and give Houliston time to throw, Birds will have an outstanding O once again. That's the only thing concerning me about Highlands O line: quickness and foot speed. But I've got a feeling that Coach Turner will spend a lot of time working on that.

Lost a very, very talented WR,Turner, who was Mr. Clutch and lead a very young receiving corps due to the injuries to Christian and Collinsworth. We have outstanding WRs returning (Greene, Weyer, Hergott, Allen, Feggins, Hoge, etc) but Turner will be leaving some big shoes to fill. The True kid needs to improve his quickness and feet. Big kid, but I haven't seen the athleticism yet that you mentioned. But he's young for his grade and hopefully he'll grow into that big body.

Hayes has a lot of talent, but he still has to prove to me that he has the other intangibles needed to be a really good running back and to complement Harris. Harris is, well, Harris. A tough, hard nosed runner that has pretty darn good speed and moves. Not someone a DB wants to have to tackle in the open field. Enough moves that a DB can't come flying up to tackle; but plenty of power to knock a DB on his butt if the DB comes up cautious.

Houliston is as you stated: an exceptionally accurate passer. Not any where near the running threat that McCoy was but a much better passer.

Hope should be an absolute stud on defense. If he adds another 20 pounds of muscle this off season like he did the last, he is simply going to dominate offensive linemen (which he did a pretty good job doing this past season once he finally got healthy). Agree with you on Wrobleski. Cochran, if he can keep his "enthusiasm" in check, will be another outstanding LB. He really impressed me this year. Expecting to see Ayers be an outstanding LBer also. Add Brady Murray, returning as an OLB, and the Birds should have a fantastic LBing corps.

Abner and Urlage both return in the secondary. Both are very athletic kids that can cover well and tackle with force.

Kicking game should really be strong also. I think both Brockett and Daugherty (who will be a sophomore and wouldn't surprise me if he started somewhere on defense) both return and have very good legs.

Bottom line: if the Birds do what they have to do this offseason; stay healthy; and play up to their potential, Birds very well could be the best team in the state. I know BG has a whole lot coming back though. Wish they were playing or were in the same class. That would be one heck of a state game.

What do you know about Mr. Greene? Have been watching this kid on the track and he has excellent speed and has very nice build. There will not be many DB's able to keep up with him on the fly patterns; what kind of hands does he have?