Minnesota signs 3-star (Choctaw, Okla.) OL Cade McConnell to '22 class

Dec. 12, 2021: After de-committing in late November, 3-star (Choctaw, Oklahoma) OL Cade McConnell committed to Minnesota.

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A busy week for Gophers football is just getting started. One day after Abilene Christian transfer CB Ryan Stapp committed, 3-star OT Cade McConnell joined him, adding to Minnesota’s 2022 recruiting class. McConnell originally committed to TCU, but de-committed in late Nov., and then the Gophers swooped in. Standing at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds his other top offers included Texas Tech, Vanderbilt and Iowa State. Now the Gophers have more depth at a position that will likely have all of its veteran talented depleted by early 2022.

Committed… pic.twitter.com/5XjSL9vMPf

— Cade McConnell 7️⃣1️⃣ (@CadeMcConnell2) December 12, 2021

Who is Cade McConnell?:

Cade McConnell is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman that played high school football for Choctaw High School in Oklahoma. As a senior, he lined up at right guard, left guard, left tackle, and defensive tackle. His athleticism gives him the versatility to play almost every position along the offensive line. Choctaw is one of the best high school football programs in the state of Oklahoma rankings as the No. 22 program in the state last season according to Maxpreps. With only a population of just over 12,000 people, Choctaw had multiple D1 players last season. After earning All-State honors as a junior he was just as dominant in his senior campaign.

Scouting Report:

McConnell really has all you want from a Big Ten offensive line prospect. He played for a big-time high school, he has the size and athleticism to be a big-time player for the Gophers. He has serious finishing ability in the run game, and his footwork is what impresses me most, something that is often lacking with players his age. Coaching is something that is instrumental in the development of offensive linemen and Gophers offensive line coach Brian Callahan will have quite the talent to work with, in McConnell.

**High School Football Hudl Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2GGx8b

Instant Reaction:

McConnell is the type of prospect that is exactly who you want on your team. Ranking only No. 643 nationally on 247sports he will not be near the top of recruiting boards, but he is a football player. With so much offensive line turnover likely to take place after this season, McConnell joining Ashton Beers with the Gophers 2022 class is a great development within the last week. It might not happen quickly, but I am pretty confident saying that McConnell will be a starting offensive lineman for Minnesota at some point. He is too skilled and talented for his size to sit on the bench for too long. So far, I think McConnell is the best offensive lineman in the Gophers 2022 class.

What is next?:

National Signing Day is now 3 days away on Dec. 15. The Gophers now have 17 total commitments for their 2022 recruiting class. McConnell ranks as Minnesota’s 4th best prospect in the class according to 247sports, and now they rank as the 40th best overall class in the country. There are plenty of big decisions coming on Wednesday and that number could quickly rise. At the end of the day, McConnell is a terrific addition and great momentum heading into Wednesday.

Minnesota signs 3-star (Choctaw, Okla.) OL Cade McConnell to ’22 class

**High School Football Hudl Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2GGx8b

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