Scouting Report: CaDarius McMilller

 

Cadarius McMiller — Running Back
Tyler (TX) High School
Class: 2027 | 4-Star Prospect 

Overview

Cadarius McMiller enters the national conversation as a prototype modern tailback: long, lean, and explosive, with verified track speed and rapidly ascending production. At over six feet tall with a well-distributed frame, he carries a build reminiscent of Jeremiyah Love — a big back who can generate power through contact while still threatening the edge.

Some early evaluations have labeled McMiller as simply a “power” back. That sells him short.

While he absolutely runs through arm tackles and finishes with authority, what separates him is his short-area burst to the line of scrimmage. The question with bigger track athletes is often whether their explosiveness translates between the tackles. In McMiller’s case, it does. His first three steps are violent and decisive, allowing him to press the line, manipulate leverage, and hit vertical seams before defenders can square him up.

He is not just fast in the open field. He is fast to the hole.

---

Athletic Profile

McMiller’s verified track data reinforces the tape:

• Sophomore 100m best: 10.59
• Freshman 100m times: 10.63 with multiple 10.9 reps

Those numbers confirm legitimate long speed. Combined with his frame, they suggest significant developmental upside as he continues to add strength without sacrificing top-end velocity.

Though his offseason camp exposure has been limited due to track commitments, his appearance at the Navy All-America Bowl provided a valuable in-person data point. He passed the eyeball test immediately: long limbs, fluid stride, quick-twitch lower half, and a natural ability to accelerate through space.

---

Production Trajectory

McMiller’s growth is not projection-based alone. His statistical progression reflects a clear upward trajectory.

2023 (Freshman – 4 Games)

• 18 carries, 113 yards (6.3 YPC)
• 3 receptions, 34 yards

2024 (Sophomore – 10 Games)

• 92 carries, 592 yards, 8 TD (6.4 YPC)
• 3 receptions, 36 yards, 1 TD

2025 (Junior – 11 Games)

• 108 carries, 939 yards, 17 TD (8.7 YPC)
• 11 receptions, 186 yards, 3 TD (16.9 YPC)

Career Totals:

• 218 carries, 1,644 yards, 25 rushing TD
• 17 receptions, 256 yards, 4 receiving TD

The efficiency spike during his junior campaign stands out. Nearly 9 yards per carry with 20 total touchdowns signals both improved vision and expanded usage. His yards per reception also show he is not just a checkdown outlet — he is capable of creating explosive plays through the air.

---

Skill Set Evaluation

Running Style
McMiller runs with controlled aggression. He is comfortable lowering his pads and initiating contact, yet he does not run recklessly. His stride length allows him to cover ground quickly once he clears the second level.

Explosiveness
The burst to the line of scrimmage is a defining trait. He does not require excessive build-up to reach operational speed. That trait is critical in modern spread systems that rely on decisive one-cut backs.

Vision & Processing
As his production has climbed, so has his patience. He shows growing comfort pressing zone concepts before committing. There is evidence of improved tempo control between sophomore and junior film.

Receiving Ability
McMiller is not a liability in the passing game. He tracks the ball naturally and transitions upfield smoothly. His 16.9 yards per catch as a junior reflect real downfield impact rather than empty targets.

Finishing Ability
He can run over defenders. His size and strength profile allow him to generate yards after contact, especially against defensive backs attempting low-angle tackles.

---

Developmental Ceiling

The phrase that continues to surface is “tons of upside.”

McMiller’s frame still has room for added functional mass. As he matures physically and continues balancing football and track development, the combination of verified speed, improving vision, and expanding pass-game utility suggests a significant ceiling.

His stock has already begun to rise, with recent offers from Texas A&M, Florida, and Wisconsin, along with prior offers from Notre Dame and Texas. Programs are recognizing the developmental curve.

---

Projection

McMiller projects as a multi-phase back at the Power 5 level:

• Early role: rotational change-of-pace with vertical explosion
• Mid-career ceiling: feature back capable of handling 15+ touches per game
• Scheme fit: zone-based systems that value one-cut decisiveness and explosive perimeter threats

If his physical development continues at its current rate and his processing speed keeps ascending with experience, McMiller has the tools to evolve from productive high school back into a true difference-maker at the next level.

He is not just a power runner.
He is a long-striding, explosive, home-run threat with size — and his best football may still be ahead of him.