New Balance Nationals: VA Boys Individuals Preview

Last year the boys stole the show from the girls on the individual front winning both of Virginia's individual national titles for 2014 and also out-numbered the girls on the all-american lists as well. This year could be the same with the return of nearly all of last year's talent.

Jump ahead: Sprints - Distance - Hurdles - Field Events

Head over to: Girls Relays Preview - Boys Relays Preview

Sprints

Headlining this group and the only Virginian to be wearing the gold bib will be Josephus Lyles in the 400. For those wondering, a returning national champion receives a gold bib when they return to defend their title. Last year he ran out of his mind to the tune of a 46.23 pr out of lane 8 to win the title as a sophomore. This year he has a target on his back and will be seeded in lane 5 with a whole lot of company around him. He is also chasing LaShawn Merritt's state record of 45.24 in the process.

Joining Jo on his medal quest is older brother Noah Lyles who is the top returning runner in the 200 and perhaps the favorite for both the 100 and 200 with Ryan Clark (GA). Noah enters the competition on a high note after just having broke the state record in the 200 this past weekend down in Cuba after he crossed the line in 20.48 seconds. With Ryan Clark racing him though and warm weather we could see him lower that time even more this weekend. He is also chasing Mustaqeem's 10.31 100m state record this weekend as well after just having run 10.38 also down in Cuba.

Joining the Lyles brothers in the sprint events are Jamik Alexander, Joseph Tay, Hakeem Horton, Dartrez Thompson, and Trevor Stewart. Semi-representing Virginia is Michael Davenport the sprinter star from Woodberry Forest who calls NC his home-state. He also has a great shot at making the final in both the 100 and 200 this weekend.