No. 4 Jesuit

To preview the 2011 prep football season, The Tampa Tribune is counting down the top 10 teams in Hillsborough County. These preseason rankings were voted on by the Tribune's four staffers who cover high school football — Eddie Daniels, Katherine Smith, Bill Ward and Nick Williams. Today: No. 4 Jesuit.

No one quite knew what to expect from Jesuit entering last season. Coming off a 9-2 season, former Jesuit assistant and then-Freedom head coach James Harrell had taken over the program, two-year starting quarterback Bobby Eveld was making a name for himself as a backup quarterback his freshman year at South Florida, and the Tigers also had to replace a starting running back and kicker.

Yet the Tigers went undefeated in regular season play, captured the Class 2A District 5 championship, their first since 2002, and earned their first playoff win since 2004 when they advanced to the state region final.

Though it may appear Jesuit graduated too many top players from last year's 11-1 team — namely linebacker Anthony Harrell, quarterback Patton Chillura, running back Miles Bennett and three starting offensive lineman — they return several key members.

Jesuit will have one of the top receiving units in the county with junior Travis Johnson and senior Bryce Walker, who combined for more than 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Senior Isaac Edwards and junior Robby Garcia, both Division I prospects, will lead the defensive line while Robby Gibbons, who had verbally committed to the University of Alabama-Birmingham, will lead the offensive line. Tommy Eveld, Bobby's younger brother, takes over as the signal caller.

"It's a whole new year, and we have to prove it again," Walker said. "We have a saying here. Football doesn't owe you anything."

KICKOFF CLASSIC: Aug. 26 vs. Belen Jesuit (Miami)

SEASON OPENER: Sept. 2 at Plant

PREVIOUS TOP 10 TEAMS: 10. Berkeley Prep; 8. (tie) Tampa Bay Tech; 8. (tie) Robinson; 7. King; 6. Plant City; 5. Hillsborough

Nick Williams