The most complete and hard-hitting LB among all uncommitted defenders is De Pere’s Cayden Cavanaugh Cayden Cavanaugh 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB De Pere | 2027 State WI . Cayden is an athlete with elite instincts. HIs ability to read, recognize, and react are so advanced that it allows him to play at 100 mph. That includes making contact with ball carriers at 100 mph, leading to devastating hits. Cayden’s tackling is elite. He runs his feet through contact, and is so strong that he quickly ends forward progress and drives the offensive athlete backwards. You have to plan for Cayden because of his physicality, and high football IQ.

Cayden is a machine at the LB position. He has multiple 15+ and 20+ tackle games throughout his career. If offenses don’t find him and have a plan to get a hat or two on him every play then Cayden is going to make them pay. The ’27 ILB is so strong instinctively. He can diagnose plays and put himself in the best position to make plays vs the run and passing games. It is impressive watching him move through traffic, meaning that even if you have a plan to stop him that might not be enough. I don’t think there is a more reliable tackler in the state either. The De Pere standout is a massive steal in the Class of 2027.

Cayden has done a fantastic job of developing at the high school level. He spent the early part of his career showing his physicality and instincts against the run game. He is so violent shedding blocks and delivers big hits on the ball. The sideline to sideline range allows him to easily read and track down the ball. In his junior season we saw more of Cayden’s growth as a three down LB. He can drop into coverage, slide and move within a zone comfortably, and has flashed ball skills to create turnovers. The thumping LB is proving to be a force in the middle of his defense and has a very high ceiling.

Stats: 2 Receptions, 7 Yards, 1 TD, 21 Tackles, 1 Pick Six

Coming into the game Cayden was one of the top athletes on my list to watch and the standout junior delivered. Any time a play needed to be made for De Pere it was Cayden who stepped up. On defense he was literally everywhere. The instincts were on full display as he picked through traffic, shedded blocks, and drug down ball carriers. The power in his upper body to get off those blocks was impressive, especially vs that talented Waunakee OL. The LB was fast, violent, and instinctive. Three key ingredients to a dominant LB. We also saw the athleticism as he would grab an INT over the middle and then sprint down the left sideline to return it for the score. Then on offense we saw of that physical play as he muscled his way into the endzone for his score. The junior was a key contributor in all three facets of the game and is clearly one of the state’s top 2027 defenders.

Stats: 21 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack

De Pere has continued their run! I had a good feeling that they would be in position to pull off these upset victories and they are delivering. A big reason why is a stout defense led by 2027 LB Cayden Cavanaugh Cayden Cavanaugh 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB De Pere | 2027 State WI . The junior is one of the state’s best LBs. He is an excellent athlete. Able to drop into coverage, slide laterally, turn and run, or transition out of a backpedal to attacking downhill. Cayden has an outstanding level of power to his game too. Allowing him to run through blockers on his way to the ball. His quick trigger reaction to what he sees has a strong argument for best in WI too. Mentally and physically the junior is a special prospect and I believe he has the talent that could have him playing at the D1 level down the road.

Stats: 15 Tackles, 1 FR

We talked about this team leading up to the games and how they could pull off an upset and make a run. That is exactly what they did. Cayden was a key piece to the overtime victory as he was all over the field, and also stole a possession with his fumble recovery. Cayden put out tape in Level 1 that only further solidifies to me that he is a future D1 player. Everything he does is with explosive athleticism. He is just as mobile dropping in coverage and sliding laterally in his zone as he is when he is firing downhill to power through an OL or fly through a gap on a blitz. It is effortless athleticism, yet everything has that elite power built into it. Cayden can bull rush through an OL to get into the backfield. He easily corrals skill players in space. Cayden is a recruit with a very high ceiling. Pumped to see what he does in Level 2.

Fast, physical, highly-instinctual ILB who can take over a game on defense. Plays through traffic so well, great tackler, and has a nose for the football. One of the must watch players in this game.

Stats: 14 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 FF, 1 FR

Cayden and De Pere went into a very tough matchup in Week 2 and while they didn’t get the victory they were able to hold their own against the reigning State Champs. Cayden was going to be key to stopping the Notre Dame rushing attack, and his 14 tackles say he did his part. Seeing Cayden after another offseason of development has only increased my excitement for his future. He plays with a great blend of patience and aggressiveness. He trusts his eyes and when he sees the ball or play unfolding the junior LB attacks with bad intent. The junior brings a great blend of athleticism and violent power, allowing him to range sideline to sideline and also quickly shed blocks of OL. Give the recent film a look and make sure you have him on your boards for 2027s.

Cayden has been one of the most productive defenders in the state, and he is just entering his junior season this week. Cayden has special traits and tools. His play recognition, closing speed, power to shed blocks, and mentality hunt down the ball on every play and punish the offensive player drive him to big numbers. The De Pere defense will need him to continue that this fall as he returns to hold down the middle of the defense.

Cayden has been a tackling machine for the first half of his HS career. That isn’t going to be any different in his junior season. Cayden is so quick to read and react, and his physical tools allow him to get to the ball to actually make plays. He is quick to close, carries power in all his movements, and has a nose for the football. Cayden brings that three down versatility where you can trust him coming downhill or dropping into coverage. He is going to be a must watch junior.