Three-star offensive lineman Cade McConnell has signed with Minnesota. The 6’5″, 300-pounder originally committed to TCU but changed his mind last month. TCU’s new coaching staff re-confirmed their interest with McConnell, but he tweeted his commitment to the Gophers on December 12. Other schools offering McConnell included Vanderbilt, Dartmouth, Iowa State, and Texas Tech.
McConnell played for a very good high school program at Choctaw High School in Oklahoma. He played both guard positions and some right tackle as a junior, but is most likely a tackle prospect at the college level. Since the Gophers need to rebuild the line entirely for next season, McConnell is a big signing. (Literally). Whether he plays in 2022 or not, the offensive line cupboard needed restocking. Adding McConnell and fellow signee Ashton Beers is a great start.
As for the potential for McConnell to contribute early, Tony Liebert from GopherHole.com said, “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… 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.” 247sports described him as someone who “owns the reps and physical traits that translate to multiple positions on the offensive line.” In other words, McConnell probably won’t play right away, but he could be ready more quickly than most.
McConnell tells 247sports that he played in only two games this season after suffering a partial medial patellofemoral ligament tear requiring surgery. He says that surgery went well and that he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery. He added that he plans to enroll and arrive on campus early at Minnesota.
