1. Toledo Central Catholic. Graduation took away running back Michael Warren, who was Ohio’s Mr. Football, and defensive end James Hudson, who signed with Michigan, from last year’s 13-1 team. But the Irish have four returning first-team All-TRAC players, including Miami recruit Dallas Fields, a linebacker.
2. Toledo Whitmer. Quarterback Riley Keller threw for 1,892 yards as a freshman and already has offers from Mississippi and Toledo. He is one of four first-team All-TRAC players back from an 8-3 team.
3. Toledo St. John’s. The Titans have the two most high-profile recruits in the TRAC in linebacker Dallas Gant, who has committed to Ohio State, and offensive lineman Austin Beier, who has committed to Minnesota.
4. Lima Senior. Wide receiver/tight end Keaton Upshaw, who has committed to Kentucky, and defensive back Kevontae Tyson, both first-team All-TRAC last season, lead the Spartans, who hope to improve on last year’s 6-4 record. Replacing Jaden Walker, who rushed for 3,100 yards over the last two seasons, is a priority.
5. Findlay. Graduation hit the Trojans hard. Linebacker Cam Dillon and kicker Chase Wilcox were first-team All-TRAC in 2016.
6. Fremont Ross. Tightening up the defense will be a priority for the Little Giants, who allowed 31 points a game while going 3-7 last season.
7. Toledo St. Francis. The once formidable St. Francis program has fallen. Will this be the year it gets up?
8. Oregon Clay. The Eagles, along with St. Francis, are the only two TRAC schools without any 2016 first-team All-TRAC players back.
