2019 Kicker Cade York Talks Commitment

LSU has built a pretty solid recruiting class for the year of 2019. A big part of that includes landing the No. 3 kicker and punter in the country per Kohl’s Professional Camps, Cade York.

The recruit will look to breathe some life into a shaky Tigers kicking unit that will likely consist of Jack Gonsoulin, Connor Culp, and graduate transfer Cole Tracy. Of course, there is no guarantee all three of those guys will be on the roster upon York’s arrival.

According to York, the decision to choose LSU over other programs ultimately rested upon a strong bond with Special Teams Coordinator Greg McMahon.

“It honestly came down to the relationship that I built with coach McMahon over time and the opportunity to play for one of the best football programs in the country,” he said. “Coach McMahon is definitely who I’m closest with at LSU. He was the one who recruited me and spoke with me on a weekly basis.”

But McMahon wasn’t the first to see potential in him. Before LSU set its eye on York, Prosper Eagles Special Teams coach Coby Richards spent every day helping build the kicker into the athlete he is today.

“I remember seeing Cade as a freshman, watching him kick some of his first field goals,” Richards said. “He kicked the snot out of them, but they barely got high enough to clear the cross bar.”

It didn’t take long for York to fix that, though.

“This past season, I told him to make sure the return man didn’t have a chance to catch it. He asked me if I wanted him to kick it into the stands. I said, ‘no, I want you to aim for the tubas’.”

York didn’t quite make the tubas, but he got close enough.

“Well, he missed the tubas, but he did get the drum line,” Richards laughed.

Sure, York may be able to kick a ball into the band now, but still sees personal room for improvement on the small things.

“I think my biggest goal is just working on consistency on my field goals and getting a slower rotating ball that can go higher and further,” he said.

As a 6-foot-2, 175 pound kicker, you wouldn’t think strength would be one of York’s outstanding qualities. But per his high school coach, he’s got an impressive hidden talent that may come as a surprise.

“He is the only kicker I have ever known that can power clean 250 pounds. That speaks to his work ethic off the field and also to what he does in the weight room to prepare himself.”

It’s not just how much weight he can lift or his ability to kick a ball that makes York such a great asset. His ability to handle pressure under the lights and the way he carries himself as a person comes into play as well.

“Cade is very competitive. He is his own worst critic. He has improved physically over the years, and through all of the kicking camps and really just the game situations he’s been placed in, he’s been able to improve his mental approach to the game as well. You just know he belongs on the big stage, but is not at all arrogant about his talents.”

York may be just getting started with his own career, but he still sets aside time to help others get the the point he’s already made it to.

“Cade takes it upon himself to work with our younger kickers in the program,” Richards said. “He will stay with them after school or if it’s summer time, meet up with them in the morning.”

What York brings to LSU should be something simple — but much needed.

“I know Cade will bring a sense of confidence and consistency to LSU,” Richards said. “He is definitely a weapon to utilize in the kicking game. I can’t wait to watch him play on Saturdays.”

York is excited about the chance to get started in Baton Rouge, and already has a championship win on his mind.

“I think what I look forward to most is getting to experience all of the practices and the amazing game day atmosphere at LSU. I bring a great attitude and work ethic to the team, and hope to be a part of helping LSU be a championship-winning team.”