Cullman's Justin Patterson makes a tackle during last season.

In Thursday’s edition of The Times, readers were given a glimpse of some of the potential local standouts entering the prep football season.

Murmurs of agreement and dissent surely followed.

At least, we hope.

With Friday nights just around the corner, why wait any longer to reveal which athletes we feel have the best chance to contribute for their schools in 2015.

Before that, though, let’s quickly recap who’s already made the list and which particular honorable mentions just missed the cut for the grouping.

% No. 10 – Alex Hernandez, West Point

% No. 9 – Christian Crandall, Cold Springs

% No. 8 – Kaine Yates, Hanceville

% No. 7 – Riley Eisner, Good Hope

% No. 6 – Levi Hammack, Addison

Some possible playmakers include Fisher Willoughby (Cold Springs), Ragan Ashley (Fairview), Caleb Jones (Holly Pond), Zeb Maze (Addison), B.J. Smalls (Hanceville) and Garrett Boland (Vinemont) — among others.

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% No. 5 – John Michael Dye, Vinemont

The only thing standing in the way of Dye and a higher ranking is his health.

The senior running back has been one of the county’s top backs for the past two years — when’s he been on the field that is — and will certainly look to make a statement during his final season in Red and White.

Despite a few missed games here and there, Dye has consistently put in solid rushing numbers when the ball finds itself nettled in his arms.

First-year coach Matt Norris would like nothing better than to see his workhouse carry the load for the Eagles en route to a possible Class 3A playoff spot.

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% No. 4 – Austin Harris, Fairview

There may not be a player on the Aggies’ roster more indispensable than Harris, a two-way athlete who dishes out pain on both sides of the ball.

The senior will enter 2015 as the top option on offense for Fairview with his ability to get the tough yards. Defensively, he’ll lead a much-improved unit as a linebacker.

Last season alone, the senior accounted for more than his solid share of yards after contact.

For an offensive-minded coach like George Redding, Harris is the perfect guy to adopt the adage of “getting the ball to your playmakers.”

And Harris is simply that — a playmaker.

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% No. 3 – Nic Rollo, Cold Springs

Rollo carries himself with a quiet confidence.

And why shouldn’t he?

The junior tailback was a critical element in the Cold Springs’ offense, leading the Eagles to an 8-3 record and the program’s first playoff berth since 2004.

He ran for 1,150 yards and 16 scores as a sophomore and has all the potential in the world to continue his good work for a team that enters 2015 with high expectations.

Look for Nic to keep “Rollo-ing” along.

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% No. 2 – Kobe Smith, West Point

It could be argued that Smith is the best athlete in Cullman County, regardless of sport.

The senior has shone brightly for the Warriors over the past two seasons at running back and isn’t likely to finish off his senior year without putting it all on the line in his team’s quest for a postseason bid.

Just last year, he amassed 1,041 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns.

With the departure of quarterback Bryant Farley — a good runner in his own right — look for Smith to receive a few extra touches for the Maroon and White.

That’s good news for West Point coach Don Farley — and bad news for opposing teams.

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% No. 1 – Justin Patterson, Cullman

Was there any doubt?

Patterson was a monstrous force last season for the Black and Gold on a solid defensive line but will make the transition from his familiar end spot to one of the team’s linebackers this fall.

That should only maximize his nose for the football.

He’s already receiving Division I interest from several schools and with another terrific season could vault himself up to one of the top defensive players in the state.

His stat line from last year is quite impressive: 95 tackles, 14 sacks, 13 TFL and three forced fumbles.

Ouch.

As for what happens this fall, don’t be shocked to see No. 7 making life miserable for opponents up and down Cullman’s schedule.

Again.