San Diego U-T Preps

Last year: 5-6

Coach: Steve Bridges, 2nd year

League: Avocado East

Division: II

Key players: Adam Waller (OL), Louie Jacobs (TB), Josh Navarro (WR), Griffin Pelot (OL), Bryce Donnelly (ILB), Mitch Grimes (QB), J.D. Fox (LB), Fernando Diaz (WR), Dante Taylor (LB), Joe Lindquist (LB).

Scouting report: Injuries thrust Grimes into the starting QB spot midway through his sophomore year last season, “and he did a really nice job,” Bridges said. “He’s a big kid (6-4, 210) who throws the ball really well. He has a chance to be very good.” Jacobs missed six weeks with injuries but rushed for 275 yards against San Pasqual, showing what he can do. Diaz started at receiver as a sophomore, but Bridges calls Navarro “the best skill kid” on the team. The star of the O-line is left guard Waller (215), the San Diego Section Masters wrestling champion at 197 pounds. Pelot (255) is the center and a key to the team’s success up front. “The offensive line was a strength last year, but we have to have some guys step up this season,” Bridges said. “Our QB will be better for the simple fact we have better skill kids around him.” Defensively, Donnelly is a big (6-0, 210), athletic kid. Fox (6-3, 195) missed all last season with a broken collarbone “He’s a three-sport guy who could be a special football player,” Bridges said. The other linebackers are Taylor and Lundquist. “We have five other linebackers who are good, so that’s the strength of the defense,” Bridges said.