This list has as much to do with potential as it does with past achievement … sorta. For every first-team, all-state, Nike Opening MVP offensive lineman like Fred Ulu-Perry of Saint Louis, there’s going to be a bunch of budding, younger linemen who could be the next phenom.

A talent like Ulu-Perry would probably rate at an elite prep level among offensive linemen, while a younger player with great potential would rate much lower, until his skill and athleticism levels mature.

Same with other positions. Certain ones clearly have more tangible, statistical measurements. It’ll always be tougher to gauge linemen compared to offensive skill position players.

But, here goes anyway.

QUARTERBACKS

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There are few slingers who have the credentials of Kuhns as a returning starter. As a junior, he passed for 2,016 yards and 25 touchdowns (with only six interceptions) in just eight games. Saint Louis’ statistics were somewhat hindered because of a forfeiture (by St. Francis) and some blowout games that Kuhns barely played. But his completion percentage (66 percent) and quarterback rating (nearly 195) were superb.

In fact, the QBR is higher than that of a certain Heisman Trophy candidate during his senior season at Saint Louis. That being said, the ceiling is still higher for Kuhns. One, Ron Lee is the new offensive coordinator, which means Kuhns will likely throw more than 23 passes per game (his 2013 average). Two, both Ron and Cal Lee have praised Kuhns’ ability to throw the ball. And there’s this: Ron Lee has promised that he has not and will not change his everlasting philosophy. The run-and-shoot offense, or four-wide, is built to attack in every situation.

It all adds up to a potentially spectacular year for Kuhns and the offense.

Milton was, at times, unstoppable at the steering wheel of the Trojans offense. Though establishing the ground attack was priority one, Milton was much more than a game manager. He passed for 1,620 yards and 16 touchdowns with just six picks in 228 attempts. It was his ability to elude the rush and sometimes take off downfield that scared most defensive coordinators. Milton rushed for 583 yards (8.4 per carry) and four touchdowns while helping Mililani reach the state title game.

Jim On threw for 20 touchdowns with just seven picks in 11 games last season.

RUNNING BACKS

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Saint Louis’ loss was Mililani’s gain when Malepeai transferred before his sophomore year. Malepeai, who has scholarship offers from Colorado and Washington, wrecked defenses to the tune of 1,375 yards and 20 touchdowns, amassing 238 carries in 12 games.

Perhaps equally talented, Taulapapa didn’t have quite the burden that Malepeai had. Taulapapa had "only" 161 rushing attempts last year and finished with 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns. Punahou loves to line up a big, big protector at fullback — sometimes a defensive lineman — and that only helps Taulapapa.

Ross was a dynamo early last season before injuries derailed him. He still managed to run for 729 yards (on 100 carries) and 10 touchdowns in 10 games.

At Kahuku, both Soli Afalava and Kesi Ah-Hoy could have breakout seasons. Though Afalava (624 rushing yards, five TDs in 2013) will see plenty of work on the defensive side of the ball, he’s the speedster in Kahuku’s new combination of offensive packages. Ah-Hoy was breathtaking at times with amazing vision and cutbacks in a scrimmage at Moanalua.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

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Noa was a gamebreaker the minute he stepped on the field as a sophomore starter two years ago. Last season, he overcame a hand injury to finish with 51 receptions for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns. Long or short plays are all the same to the precise route runner. He won’t have All-State QB Larry Tuileta (USC) to count on anymore, but Ephraim Tuliloa found him for an 82-yard bomb in a scrimmage against Farrington on Saturday.

It would be easy to overlook ‘Iolani’s receivers, but they have produced consistently. Makekau was outstanding with 65 grabs for 984 yards and 10 touchdown despite injury as a sophomore. After a full year of varsity play with quarterback Austin Jim On, Makekau, Chad Hanaoka (53, 491, 6), Chase Kanekuni (48, 544, 3) and Tyler Teruya (39, 326, 5) will only be better this fall.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

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Ulu-Perry’s footwork and agility are well-noted. He was the MVP at the Nike Opening this summer, and also took "business" trips to UCLA and USC, committing to UCLA.

"This is a huge comparison, but if you really want to make the point of how good he is, I would compare him to Olin Kreutz," Saint Louis coach Cal Lee said.

Ulu-Perry, who also plays basketball, turned down offers from Arizona State, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Mississippi State, Nevada, San Jose State, Texas Tech, Washington and Washington State.

As leader of Mililani’s front five, UH commit Agasiva has helped plow the way for one of the state’s most prolific running backs (Malepeai).

Uluave was a first-team All-State pick as a sophomore. He’s nimble enough to line up as a blocking back in Punahou’s short-yardage set, but is at his best ripping defenders from left guard or tackle.

He has offers from BYU, Cal, Colorado, Hawaii, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Texas Tech, UCLA, USC, Utah, Vanderbilt, Washington, Washington State and Wisconsin.

Auwae is another specimen who has offers from BYU and Nevada. Borden has committed to Hawaii. Eletise, a junior, has an offer from Colorado.

ATHLETES (alphabetical order)

Wily-Matagi is in his second year at quarterback and juggling the different offensive schemes implemented by the new coach, Lee Leslie. But Utah recruited Wily-Matagi as a tight end, his original position. He also offers from Colorado, Hawaii and Washington State.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

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Fehoko made the transition from end to tackle last season. Coaches across the nation took note; he now has more than 30 offers, including Alabama, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Stanford and Oregon. Fehoko, who has a 4.0 grade-point average, committed to Texas Tech in July.

Manu is another force in the trenches. He has committed to Stanford, turning down offers from Army, Colorado, Hawaii and Vanderbilt.

Wily, who also plays fullback, transferred back from Kamehameha before his junior season. Offers on the table: Colorado, Hawaii and Oregon State.

DEFENSIVE ENDS

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Kaumatule has endured nagging injuries during his prep career. Last season, he recovered in time to be a dominant force as the Buffanblu captured the state title. He’s tough and strong enough to play inside, but his future is at DE. He gained 15 pounds since last season. His offers: Arkansas, Cal, Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pitt, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Utah, Vanderbilt, Washington, Wisconsin.

Tafua has committed to BYU. He finished last year with an injury and sat out of the first week of scrimmages this season, but is expected back soon.

LINEBACKERS

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Reupena, or "Pena," as he’s called by family and friends, is a stalwart fullback and defensive tackle/middle linebacker. In Kahuku’s jumbo package, he’s a key component as a blocker and occasional goal-line blaster.

Tago has emerged as a valued prize for recruiters. He has offers from Colorado, Hawaii, Washington and Washington State.

Slade-Matautia was a solid contributor at Kaiser last year as a freshman. He transferred to Bishop Gorman (Nev.) in the offseason, then came back to Oahu and enrolled at Saint Louis. His eligibility for this season is pending.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

CORNERBACKS

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SAFETIES

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There may not have been a more polished, explosive defensive back in the state than Matautia last fall. His nose for the ball and knack for converting kicks and picks into big plays separated him from the pack. It’s a wonder the Sabers didn’t line him up on offense as another weapon.

He committed to Oregon State, turning down Hawaii.

Kane is an intriguing prospect. His measurables were outstanding at offseason combines and camps. His willingness to gamble at cornerback had mixed results, mostly good, last season. His range, though, is indisputably impressive. Kane committed to Oregon in late July, turning down Boise State, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon State and Wisconsin.

Taito committed to Nevada.

Latu is lanky, but tough, physical and quick. He’s a post player on the basketball court, rangy on the gridiron.

PLACE-KICKERS

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Spencer, Makekau and Matas were productive last season, but Sasaoka has the biggest leg and is due for a breakout year.

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Updates for all positions will be posted on hawaiiprepworld.com throughout the season.