Juggling stadium lights, textbooks and teachers

Redshirt sophomore Cade McConnell balances academics, personal life and becoming a new leader for the Miners.

Being thrusted into the starting quarterback position in late September was not quite on redshirt sophomore Cade McConnell’s radar. After senior quarterback Gavin Hardison fell to injury during the team’s fifth game against the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, McConnell was put in to step up and lead the Miners to the promised land.

Throwing a monkey wrench into his plans, an already busy student-athlete now has to balance academics, personal life and becoming a new leader for the Miners.

Even with support from Hardison and the rest of the team, balancing more than just school can be…