CLICK BELOW TO WATTH THE GIRLS' OR BOYS' BASKETBALL LIVE STREAM -
Keep reading...Show less
Three-Star Atascocita RB Cardae Mack
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Now a senior at Atascocita and a recent Arizona State-commit, Mack has become one of the state’s most complete and compelling individuals to put on a helmet. And while this fall will likely see him return to his natural position at running back, it was his all-around play last season – including a stint as a mobile quarterback – that showed just how adaptable and indispensable he can be.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It all comes down to my family,” Mack said. “I’d always play with my brothers growing up, but I didn’t really get into it until around middle school, when I began to compete in select ball. At some point, I realized how good I was at the sport, so I locked myself in from there.”
That switch flipped hard. In 2024, Mack threw for nearly 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns with just three interceptions – all while rushing for an additional 1,918 yards and 22 scores. His dual-threat dominance earned him District 23-6A MVP honors and carried the Eagles to a 12-2 finish, with their season ending in a fourth-round playoff loss to district rival North Shore.
But even in defeat, there’s perspective – and motivation.
“We won’t forget how it’s felt the past few years,” Mack said. “But I think a distinction we might have this season is the fact that we’ve already integrated the underclassmen into our gameplan. Our younger guys are going to be more developed and experienced. That could become one of our biggest advantages moving forward.”
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2025 VYPE FOOTBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Mack’s leadership is grounded not just in talent, but in intention. It’s visible in the way he talks about his family’s influence, especially the work ethic he’s seen modeled by his parents.
“Someday, I intend to put them and myself in a good position, so they’ll never have to work again,” he said.
That same maturity showed up in his decision to commit to Arizona State in April, where he felt both seen and strategically valued.
“Coach [Kenny] Dillingham is an offensive genius, and Coach [Marcus] Arroyo is completely bought-in,” said Mack. “There’s already a plan in place of how they intend to utilize me in their schemes. That really compelled me to invest myself in that process.”
When it comes to who he emulates, Mack doesn’t hesitate: LeSean McCoy. It’s a fitting match for a back known for his shiftiness, vision, and creativity in the open field.
“He was my favorite back to watch growing up… even to this day I’ll still watch his highlights – sometimes before games,” Mack said. “The elusive running style he had is something that I see in myself.”
In a program that’s come close year after year, Mack enters his final season as the type of player who can tip the balance. He might have started in the middle, but now, all eyes are on him to lead.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2025 VYPE FOOTBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE
The stars of 2025-26 Kinkaid Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
While the departure of All-SPC quarterback David Capobianco leaves a void under center, junior running back Wayne Shanks Jr. is more than capable of leading the offense. The explosive, do-it-all back posted nearly 1,900 total yards from scrimmage with 27 touchdowns in 2024, drawing scholarship offers from Ohio State, Florida, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and others. His presence alone keeps Kinkaid's attack dangerous.
Kinkaid Jr. RB Wayne Shanks Jr.Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
In the passing game, senior receivers Alexander Donnelly and Peter Liuzzi bring experience, dependable hands, and the ability to stretch defenses – giving the Falcons balance and options no matter who takes over at quarterback.
Moving over to defense, Kinkaid returns senior safety Caleb Pitts, edge rusher Odell Winn III, and junior linebacker Thomas Smith, a trio expected to set the tone physically.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2025 VYPE FOOTBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE
TRENDING
GAMES
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
FROM THE WEB
