40 Facts About Cade Stover

Early Life and High School Achievements

Cade Stover's journey to the NFL began in Mansfield, Ohio. His early years were marked by impressive athletic achievements that set the stage for his future success.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on June 12, 2000, in Mansfield, Ohio, Cade grew up in a supportive family environment that nurtured his athletic talents.

2. High School Career: Attending Lexington High School in Lexington, Ohio, Cade excelled in football, earning Ohio's Mr. Football and Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior year.

3. High School Basketball: Cade wasn't just a football star. He set the school’s all-time scoring record in basketball and earned second-team all-Ohio honors as a junior, leading Lexington to the OHSAA Final Four in Columbus.

4. College Recruitment: As a four-star recruit, Cade had his pick of top colleges. He chose Ohio State over offers from Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas, and Wisconsin.

College Career and Position Changes

Cade's time at Ohio State was marked by versatility and adaptability, as he switched positions multiple times to best serve his team.

5. College Position Changes: Initially recruited as a linebacker, Cade moved to defensive end before his freshman season. He played in four games before redshirting.

6. Switch to Tight End: In 2020, Cade transitioned to tight end during spring practice but returned to linebacker during the season. He switched back to tight end for his redshirt junior season, catching five passes for 76 yards.

7. 2022 Rose Bowl Appearance: Due to a shortage of linebackers, Cade played linebacker in the 2022 Rose Bowl against Utah.

Professional Career and NFL Draft

Cade's impressive college performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

8. Professional Draft Selection: Cade was selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

9. Height and Weight: Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 247 pounds, Cade has the physical attributes ideal for a professional tight end.

10. NFL Combine Stats: At the NFL Combine, Cade recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.65 seconds, a vertical jump of 34.5 inches, and a broad jump of 9 feet 9 inches.

College Statistics and Honors

Cade's college career was filled with notable statistics and prestigious honors, reflecting his impact on the field.

11. College Statistics: Playing in 38 of 39 games as a tight end from 2021 to 2023, Cade started 24 games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In 2023, he caught 41 passes for 576 yards with five touchdowns.

12. Big Ten Honors: Named first-team all-Big Ten Conference in 2023, Cade was also a finalist for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's best tight end.

13. Career Highs: Cade achieved career highs of seven receptions against both Notre Dame and Michigan State, and had a career-high 90 receiving yards against Western Kentucky.

14. Tight End Performance: His 41 receptions and 576 yards in 2023 each rank third for a single season at Ohio State. His five touchdowns in both 2022 and 2023 were the most by a Buckeye tight end in 11 years.

15. All-Time Statistics: Cade’s totals moved him into second place all-time at Ohio State among tight ends with 82 receptions and 1,056 yards. His 10 career touchdowns are tied for third-most in school history.

16. Two-Touchdown Games: He had three two-touchdown games: vs. Purdue (2023) and vs. Wisconsin and Indiana in 2022.

17. Media and Coaches Honors: In 2022, Cade earned third-team all-Big Ten Conference honors by the media and honorable mention honors from the conference head coaches.

18. Consistency: Cade caught a pass in all 13 games in 2022, with highs of six receptions vs. Penn State and 83 receiving yards vs. Toledo.

Versatility and Defensive Contributions

Cade's ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset to his teams, both in college and professionally.

19. Position Flexibility: Cade played defensive end in 2019, then moved to tight end for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He also played linebacker late in the 2021 season, starting at linebacker in the Rose Bowl against Utah.

20. Tackle Record: For his career, Cade has been in on 15 total tackles, including six against Utah.

High School Accolades and Multi-Sport Talent

Cade's high school years were filled with accolades and achievements in multiple sports, showcasing his all-around athletic talent.

21. High School Butkus Award Semifinalist: Cade was selected as the eighth-ranked linebacker nationally and a semifinalist for the High School Butkus Award.

22. Ohio Defensive Player of the Year: Named Ohio’s Division III Defensive Player of the Year in 2018, Cade recorded 163 tackles and four interceptions during the regular season.

23. Running Back Achievements: As a running back, Cade added 1,477 yards and 17 touchdowns to his high school resume.

24. Ohio Cardinal Conference Defensive Player of the Year: Cade was also recognized as the Ohio Cardinal Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

25. Sophomore Season Highlights: As a sophomore in 2016, Cade made 190 tackles (14.6 per game) as Lexington made the regional finals under head coach Taylor Gerhardt.

26. Basketball Achievements: A great all-around athlete, Cade earned second-team all-Ohio honors on the basketball court as a junior, leading Lexington to the OHSAA Final Four in Columbus.

Professional Debut and Team Contributions

Cade's transition to the NFL has been marked by his contributions to the Houston Texans and the excitement of fans and coaches alike.

27. Professional Debut: Cade made his professional debut with the Houston Texans in the 2024 NFL season, contributing to the team's offense with his versatility and skill as a tight end.

28. Team Contributions: His ability to play multiple positions and his strong performance in college have made him a valuable asset to the Texans, contributing to their success in the 2024 season.

29. Fan Reception: Fans have been excited about Cade's arrival, praising his athleticism and potential to make significant contributions to the team.

30. Media Coverage: His highlights have been featured in various media outlets, showcasing his skills and achievements both in college and professionally.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Cade's personal life and commitment to his community reflect his character and dedication beyond the football field.

31. Personal Life: Cade’s personal life remains relatively private, but his commitment to his family and community is evident through his philanthropic efforts and support for local sports programs.

32. Career Goals: Cade’s long-term goal is to become one of the top tight ends in the NFL, continuing to improve his skills and contribute to his team’s success.

33. Mental Preparation: He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, stating that staying focused and adaptable is crucial for success in professional football.

34. Team Dynamics: Cade values teamwork and believes that a strong team dynamic is essential for achieving victory on the field.

35. Inspirational Figure: As an inspirational figure, Cade encourages young athletes to work hard, stay committed, and always strive for excellence in their respective sports.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Cade's legacy at Ohio State and his potential in the NFL highlight his impact on the sport and his promising future.

36. College Legacy: At Ohio State, Cade left a lasting legacy as one of the most versatile and accomplished tight ends in school history, paving the way for future Buckeyes.

37. Professional Legacy: As he begins his professional career with the Houston Texans, Cade aims to build a similar legacy in the NFL, becoming a respected and feared tight end.

38. Offensive Strategy: His ability to play multiple positions allows the Texans to incorporate him into various offensive strategies, making him a valuable asset in game planning.

39. Coaching Insights: Coaches have praised Cade for his intelligence on the field, noting that he quickly picks up plays and adjusts to different defensive schemes.

40. Future Prospects: With his impressive performance in college and his selection in the 2024 NFL draft, Cade’s future prospects look bright, and fans are eagerly anticipating his continued growth and contributions to the Texans.

Cade Stover's Bright Future

Cade Stover's journey from Lexington High School standout to Ohio State star and now a promising NFL tight end with the Houston Texans is nothing short of impressive. His versatility, playing multiple positions, and his knack for making big plays have set him apart. Stover's high school accolades, including Ohio's Mr. Football and the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, laid a solid foundation for his college success. At Ohio State, he left a lasting legacy with his record-breaking performances and numerous honors. Now, as he embarks on his professional career, fans and coaches alike are eager to see how his skills will translate to the NFL. With his dedication, athleticism, and strong work ethic, Cade Stover is poised to make a significant impact in the league. Keep an eye on this rising star; his future looks incredibly bright.