I was very interested in seeing who was going to step in and take over in the always-effective and highly-touted Lakeville South Cougars backfield, and midway through the 2023 season, we had a winner. Rocking that illustrious #28 jersey of the Cougs, 5’9, 190 lb. RB Connor Cade was the featured back of a dynamic rushing attack and led the Cougars backfield with 144 rushes for 1,327 yards (9.2 YPC) and a noteworthy 21 TDs as a junior, in large part due to the raw speed he brings to the table as a tailback, A 2x All-State track & field recipient who has clocked an impressive 11.17 100M in last year’s outdoor season, Cade brings a tantalizing multi-sport background to the RB position and is poised to go sub-11-seconds in the 100M this coming track season.

Arguably the top RB in 6A, Cade showcases the track speed on the second play of his junior highlights, where it looks like he was shot out of a cannon in a kick return versus Wayzata, blowing past all 11 Trojans en route to a kick return for six up the away team’s sideline without getting close to touched. In the Cougars schematic-challenging rushing offense, it’s already hard to consistently hit assignments and locate the ball play-to-play, but when you have a tailback with the burst and top-end speed like Cade, decisions have to be made in the blink of an eye and things can go south in a hurry for opposing defenses. The junior doesn’t look like he’s going as fast as he is, but before you know it, Cade has smoothly floated by every DL, LB, and DB, who look like they’re moving in slow motion compared to the Lakeville product. The 190 lber. is also shifty and sudden at the tackle point and when allowing holes to open up in his OL’s blocking, can consistently make that last man miss, and possesses contact balance that can run you over just as easily as he can cut by you. Cade can easily burn pursuit angles from second and third-level defenders and capitalize on space and seams in a defense, has a nose for the endzone & was still scoring TDs 3+ minutes into his junior tape, and is a willing blocker who got reps at fullback as well. Someone is going to get a baller.

Cade was a part of the Cougars’ sixth-place 4X100 relay team. Watching his highlights, it was apparent why he would be standing on the podium at State for a sprint event. His straight-line speed is as good as you will see out of a running back. However, how he uses that speed separates him from most other running backs. He comes out of his cuts at nearly full speed. He works well in small spaces and can make multiple cuts in small spaces. His explosiveness getting to full speed is impressive when he comes out of a crowd. While primarily a running back, he spends time out wide and is a threat in the passing game.

1327 yards, 21 touchdowns

The Lakeville South rushing attack was and will be in good hands with Cade. The junior is one of the most complete running backs in the state. His open-field speed has him outrunning defenders who think they have an angle on him. Even though he doesn’t look like a physical runner, the strength he has in his lower body powers him through tacklers. He has excellent feet and balance, making him a threat in the downfield passing game, not just out of the backfield on screens or check-downs. Cade has solid hands, will line up in the slot, and runs downfield routes.

Cade is an electrifying running back with a dynamic and versatile skill set. His quick-twitch running style and exceptional speed establish him as a constant home run threat on the field. His agility and open-field evasion make him a ridiculously tough runner to tackle, utilizing sharp cuts and quick changes of direction. Notably, he keeps his feet moving through contact, displaying strength against arm tackles and gaining additional yards after contact. Cade’s spatial awareness is a standout quality, allowing him to navigate the field efficiently and capitalize on open running lanes. Despite his finesse, he adds a layer of physicality to his game, running through defenders and demonstrating versatility in his approach. Overall, Cade is a dynamic playmaker, capable of making game-changing contributions through his speed, agility, and ability to hit the big play at any given moment.

It’s always fun seeing a prospect you’ve been following since his freshman year blossom into a standout varsity contributor, and Lakeville South’s RB1 Connor Cade neatly falls into that category as a former freshman and JV standout for the Cougs. Now an upperclassman, Cade took over that prestigious Lakeville South RB1 category and made the position his own, leading the 9-1 6A squad in rushing with 118 attempts for 1,102 yards and 18 TDs and into a top contender spot for the 6A crown. A 2x All-State track & field selection who has clocked a 11.1 100M time, Cade uses that speed very effectively as a RB and kick returner, and if you give him daylight he’s going to make you pay. Besides the top-end speed, which is a game-breaker by the way, Cade shows off impressive balance, burst, and the ability to maneuver through traffic cleanly and smoothly executes the Power-T rushing attack of the Cougars. Cade also possesses powerful one-cuts that help him make the free defender miss, and he’s also a capable lead blocker and can catch the rock out of the backfield. Speed is the name of his game first and foremost however, and boy is that speed potent.

It took some time for the South running game to get going. When it did, Cade was at the center of it. He had two early second-half runs to pick up first downs. Then, he bounced a run to the outside for a 64-yard touchdown.

Coming in at RB4 and #41 overall, Lakeville South’s Connor Cade was a non-varsity contributor in 2022 but the mixture of production, film, and competition still made him a strong addition to the Top-50 and another must-know name from the RB room of the Cougars. In 2022, Cade posted 96 touches for 2,184 total yards and 34 TDs with a 22.75 yard per touch average and 16 plays of over 50 yards. I really like how he can cut and change direction at full speed without losing any momentum, and he generates a ton of force of power when he sticks his cleats in the ground and cuts, allowing him to run through strong tackle attempts as well as blow by opponents and leave them grasping at air. Cade is very shifty, has the top end speed to torch non-varsity defenders and finish big plays, and fights like hell to stay up and score every chance he gets. He was absolutely dominant at the JV level and has been one of the best non-varsity players in the state the past two seasons, regardless of class or position. I’m stoked to see him against varsity defenses next fall.