Pflugerville Weiss has built one of the deepest rosters in Texas high school football. Breaking into the lineup is difficult. Doing it as a freshman is rare.

2029 OL Cade Miller did exactly that.

The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder stepped into the varsity lineup immediately and worked through the growing pains that come with moving up from middle school to facing 5A competition. 

“Playing varsity was a huge experience,” Miller said. “Going from middle school to Friday Night Lights was just different. My first games were struggles. I felt overwhelmed at first.”

Miller had help adjusting to the speed and physicality of varsity football from future Texas Tech signee Jerald "JJ" Mays.

“But having JJ there — who also did that, he played varsity as a freshman — he was a four-year guy,” Miller said. “He helped walk me through it. When I messed up, he'd correct me and be firm with it. It wasn't sweet, but he helped me make it through that first season.”

Miller did not ease his way into the lineup. He earned the starting job and never gave it back.

“Yes, sir,” Miller said when asked if he started right away. “I showed up in the summer working with the twos because I got there late, but I earned my varsity spot. I showed up to film every day and worked my butt off. I earned the coaches' respect and didn't miss a game. I never came out.”

“My first start was against McNeil. I had to go against this guy — looking back now I would've been smoother against him — but that first game he was cooking me, swiping my hands down. I had a few false starts, but I just had to overcome it.”

His first varsity start was a memorable moment, but January 23 became a day Miller will never forget. That was the day he picked up his first scholarship offer. Then his second. Then his third.

“It started with SMU,” Miller said. “I had gone to a game day visit and met Coach (Garin) Justice and then later on (Pflugerville Weiss) Coach (Malcolm) Hill told me they had offered. Then he told me Kentucky offered. Later that night I got UTSA, so I had three in a day.”

“It was a blessing. I had the feeling I was overlooked, even though I am so young. It was really reassuring to me.”

His fourth offer arrived four days later from Texas State.

“I'm aggressive with my hands," Miller said about his strengths. "I have great technique and fast feet, so I can make up for mistakes with my speed. I have a heavy punch and I like to run people. I like to put them in the ground.”