Cypress Falls senior edge rusher Kaden McCarty, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound four-star Texas A&M commit, continues to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. With his strength, quickness, and relentless pursuit, he disrupts opposing offenses as he prepares for the next chapter of his football career at Texas A&M.
“Knowing our team’s goal of being able to compete in 16 games, I give it all I’ve got for my team,” said McCarty.
McCarty and his teammates are pursuing a state championship, which would require the Falcons to play 16 games.
As opponents prepare to face McCarty, they have increasingly relied on multiple blockers to limit his impact.
“I’m seeing a lot of slides, running back help, and guard help,” said McCarty. “However, our coach does a great job of giving me opportunities for 1-on-1s.”
McCarty has four years of varsity experience, including three at Cypress Falls. According to MaxPreps, he has recorded 88 solo tackles, 69 assisted tackles, 157 total tackles, 70 tackles for loss, 32 sacks, and 44 quarterback hurries in 32 games dating back to his sophomore season.
Cypress Falls defensive line coach Jeremy Mayard understands the challenge opposing offenses face in containing McCarty.
“He is elite at playing the run and pressuring the quarterback,” said Mayard. “Kaden has a high football IQ, a true competitive mindset, and is very disciplined. He plays with relentless effort and intensity that opponents struggle to match.”
McCarty recorded five sacks against Jersey Village in his junior season, setting a school single-game record previously held by former Cypress Falls defensive lineman Duvonte Lumpkin. He broke his own record as a senior, recording six sacks against Cypress Lakes.
“Knowing our team’s goal of being able to compete in 16 games, I give it all I’ve got for my team,”
Kaden McCarty
McCarty’s production reflects more than physical ability. His preparation, film study, and commitment to improvement have helped him become a more complete defensive player throughout his high school career.
During the offseason, McCarty focused on strengthening his shoulders and studying film extensively to prepare for opposing offensive lines.
“Film study is a big part of my game,” said McCarty. “Knowing the game plan and imagining myself in certain plays on film has helped me play with a free mind.”
Former Cypress Falls defensive line coach David Kerr observed McCarty’s development from his sophomore season through his senior year. Kerr said McCarty’s preparation and understanding of opposing offenses set him apart from other high school defensive linemen.
“What is most impressive is the amount of homework and studying he does on his own to prepare for that week’s opponent. He learns the game plan and understands what opponents are trying to do to him. He diagnoses a play quicker than any high school defensive lineman I’ve ever seen, that comes from film study.”
Kerr also highlighted McCarty’s work ethic and willingness to help his teammates as key components of his development.
“He has a high football IQ,” said Kerr. “He pushes himself and gives full effort to improve. He is demanding of the scout team, helps teammates in practice and drills, and always gets mental reps when he’s on the sideline. His work ethic is unmatched, and he is constantly looking for ways to get better on the field or in the weight room. He never cheats the process.”
McCarty’s preparation and production have helped establish him as one of the nation’s top edge rushers, earning him multiple Division I offers before he committed to Texas A&M.
McCarty, ranked the No. 2 edge rusher in Texas in the 2027 class by 247 Sports, was an Under Armour All-American and Adidas FBU All-American. He also earned VYPE Houston and Houston Chronicle First Team Defense honors and was named First Team All-District twice.
“Texas A&M University checked off all the boxes for me in terms of relationships, production, and a great coaching staff. They kept me a priority even after I committed,” said McCarty. “Before arriving at Texas A&M, I’d like to accomplish winning a district and a state championship while also breaking my school’s season sack record.”
McCarty currently holds Cypress Falls’ career records for sacks (32) and tackles for loss (70). He also owns the school’s single-game sack record with six.
Mayard believes McCarty’s preparation and mindset have positioned him for success at the next level.
“Kaden is ready for the next level,” said Mayard. “He has a competitive mindset and focus; he’s intrinsically motivated and process-oriented. He has dedicated his life to preparing for college. He loves the game of football, values the life lessons it teaches, and respects how it can prepare a person for almost anything in life. A lot of credit goes to his parents for raising such a respectful, hardworking, incredible young man and for providing the support that ensures he succeeds.”
Although McCarty has committed to Texas A&M, his work at Cypress Falls is far from done. He remains focused on helping the Falcons pursue their goals in District 16-6A while continuing to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt opposing offenses. With his college future secured, McCarty has one final season to make an impact with his teammates before taking his talents to the next level.
