PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 71 Carmel

71. Carmel (Ind.)

Last season’s record: 13-2, Class 5A champion

Coach: Mo Moriarty

Key players: QB Morgan Newton (6-4, 215, Sr.), RB Kurt Freytag (6-2, 220, Sr.), OT Brooks Michel (6-7, 285, Sr.), DB Joe Rippe (6-2, 190, Sr.), LB Brian East (6-1, 185, Jr.)

Biggest strength: QB position

Question mark: Inexperience at LB

Outlook: Six starters return on each side of the ball for the Greyhounds including four Division I prospects. Opposing defenses again will have their hands full with Newton, who passed for 1,883 yards and ran for 750 yards with 32 total touchdowns last season. Freytag will become the primary ball carrier after running for 949 yards and 11 touchdowns as a fullback. Minnesota recruit Michel is one of two returning starters on the offensive line. Rippe was named all-state after leading the defense with six interceptions.

Toughest games: Aug. 22 vs. Cathedral, Sept. 5 at Center Grove, Oct. 3 at Warren Central, Oct. 17 vs. Ben Davis