Cace Reed is a 5’9″, 151 pound, class of 2024 athlete for the Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Falcons in Hammond, Louisiana. Cace is one of the the most electric players in the region, boasting impressive statlines from the last two seasons: In 2022, Cace totaled 30 catches, and tallied 1,829 all-purpose yards, along with 15 touchdowns, scored in various ways. So far in 2023, between the regular season and jamborees, Cace has 48 carries for 406 yards (8.5 YPC) and 8 receptions for 140 yards on offense, alongside a pair of pick-sixes on three interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a kickoff returned for a touchdown between defense and special teams. Cace has also nearly matched his touchdown total from a year ago, having scored 14 times already his season. He’s the type of player that a coach can get the ball to and trust that a big play will be made. Cace has been rewarded for his hard work and dedication on the field, receiving offers from Graceland University, Bates College, Washington and Lee University, and Kenyon College, and has taken visits to Texas A&M, UTSA, UPenn, and Johns Hopkins. If you’ve noticed, a large number of these schools have rigorous academic standards, but Cace’s hard work on the field has been matched with his work in the classroom, having earned a 3.8 unweighted GPA, allowing him these opportunities. Also, Cace was awarded with the District’s MVP award in 2022 for his play.
Cace’s tape shows that he is a very explosive player. He will beat defenders with his speed often, and if he cannot, he will just outjump them and make plays, or make moves after the ball is in his hands. This has led to his already-mentioned statlines which feature elite averages.
I recently had the chance to interview Cace:
Why and at what age did you start playing football?
“I began playing football when I was 6 years old. I played football because my parents knew I could
be something, they just didn’t know which sport it would be. I grew up playing baseball, basketball,
football, and soccer.”
Have you always played your current position, or did you play a different position growing up?
“I actually played quarterback and cornerback during my pee-wee years. I switched to slot receiver
and free safety during my junior high years, when my coaches recognized my speed and catching
ability along with my contact courage.”
What sets you apart from everyone else on the field?
“My motor. I have a high speed motor to make a play at every moment of the game. Whether it is on
offense or defense, I can count on myself to make a big play.”
What is your favorite accomplishment so far in your football career?
“I was named District MVP last year.”
What is your favorite memory of playing football so far?
“My favorite memory of playing football was during sophomore year. We played against West
Feliciana this game, and it’s I earned my recognition with 3 touchdowns and over 300 yards vs. a very
talented team.”
How do you balance athletics and academics?
“At St. Thomas, my teachers are all connected with the athletics. This means they will give me the
time that is needed for me to complete my assignments. The teachers at St. Thomas are amazing
and will stay as late as the student wants just to help and tutor them. Students at St. Thomas also
help around. It is truly a community that one must experience.”
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the field?
“On the field, I have faced challenges as being double-teamed, and this year, I have been tripled and
quadrupled teamed.”
Is there a certain player you try to model your game after?
“I model my game after Tank Dell. A player that isn’t 6’ tall or 225lb, but focuses more on speed, skill,
and route running. Another player is Wes Walker. I feel as if I am similar to these players.”
How do you stay physically fit outside of football?
“I play almost every sport. So I do not get out of shape. I play basketball, baseball, and track after
football ends.”
What are you hoping to achieve this season?
“I am hoping to achieve back to back district MVP along with making it All State. A little goal for my
body is to get faster I want to get to a 4.3 40 dash. At the moment I run a 4.47.”
What is your end goal for your football career?
“To have my jersey retired here at St Thomas.”
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned playing football?
“An important lesson I have learned is called “beat them with speed”. My coach always tells me, all
that dancing around gets you hurt. So I’ve taken that with me. It has been the most helpful
information for me this year.”
How do you prepare for big games?
“I try to treat every game as if its a big game. I do not like to underestimate any team or any game
because football is a game of inches. So I prepare as if every game is a big game. What I do to
prepare is listen to Adele to calm me down. I feel as I play the best when I am in a calm mood.”
Lastly, who is the biggest role model in your life?
“My Father, Christopher Reed, and Brother, Raymone Andrews, have both coached me my whole life.
They have been my coach for all sports as well as my life coach. When ever I need a lab partner, I
can count on these two to either grind with me or push me to get where I want to be.”
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