SOUTHLAKE, Texas — High school football programs like Southlake Carroll don’t rebuild. They restock talent. With the Dragons’ eight state championships, their talent seems to be endless. But that’s never been more apparent than this year in the wake of Quinn Ewers’ decision to forgo his senior year and enroll a year early at Ohio State.

What You Need To Know

  • Quinn Ewers, the No. 1 recruit in the nation, skipped his senior football season to enroll at Ohio State early and make seven figures in NIL deals

  • But with every door that closes, another one opens. Junior quarterback Kaden Anderson is the new man under center for the Dragons

  • Kaden has battled an ACL injury and the passing of his father prior to being named the starter in 2021

He had to take that route to make money because state law and the University Interscholastic League would not allow him to cash in on his name, image and likeness and retain his high school eligibility. His decision paid off - literally. Ewers signed a three-season deal with GT Sports Marketing worth $1.4 million.

“I was aware of it to an extent. But to be honest, I was a little bit blindsided,” said Southlake Carroll head coach Riley Dodge.

But with every door that closes, another one opens. For Kaden Anderson, his time on the sideline is over. 

“Coach Dodge called me into his office, told me the news and said I was the man,” Kaden said. 

Southlake’s newest QB1, who replaced the top high school recruit in the country, is living the dream because it’s always been his dream to sport the Southlake threads.

“Everybody is always asking me what college do you want to play for? I’m not even worried about that. I just want to play for the Dragons,” Kaden said proudly.

What’s even more commendable is the adversity and hardship he’s overcome. In round one of the 2020 6A playoffs, Anderson subbed in for Quinn Ewers with the Dragons holding a comfortable lead.

“It was a quarterback run, I cut weird, my knee just gave out and tore my ACL. People don’t realize how tough that recovery is,” he said.

He fought through the pain of that knee injury. But nothing compares to the pain of losing his father to brain cancer last summer. Kaden’s dad loved and supported every step of his Southlake football journey.

“I think my dad is smiling down right now,” he said. “I think he might have moved some pieces for this to happen but I couldn't even tell you what the team did. They were taking me to lunch, doing this, doing that. They were just trying to get me out of the house and not think about it. I can’t tell you how much that helped. That’s why I love these boys so much.”

The 2021 Southlake squad is on a clear mission: win a state title. 

“We’re the only 6A team that knows the feeling of losing a 6A state championship,” he said. “We don’t want to go through that again. I think we got a huge chip on our shoulder. I think this year is going to be good.”

Southlake Carroll will try to stay undefeated this Friday night as the Dragons play Prosper on the road.