Rebel Walk Recruiting Game of the Week: A Visit with 2026 QB/RB Cardae Mack

HUMBLE, Texas — The Rebel Walk returns to Houston tonight for a matchup where streaks will be definitely broken, as No.8 nationally-ranked North Shore (7–0) hits the road to take on No. 16 Atascocita (7-0). There will be no shortage of talent as each team looks to continue its undefeated streak and inch one game closer to a spot in the Texas state championship.

Heading into this evening’s contest, North Shore, on paper, checks off all the boxes since the start of the rivalry in 2016. The Mustangs hold the edge in the series at 9-2. However, Atascocita has found life in a potent offense anchored by running back-turned-quarterback Cardae Mack, an Ole Miss recruit.

Mack and top running back Tory Blaylock headline an extremely versatile attack that will be a huge storyline against a potent North Shore defense. As a running back last season, Mack amassed 1,370 rushing yards on 148 carries. But what makes Mack, a 3-star junior, such a phenom is that this season he has flipped the script and is showcasing his impressive arm as the Eagles’ offensive anchor.

QB Cardae Mack,Atascocita C/O ‘26 hits RB Tory Blaylock C/O ‘25 in stride

Tory takes it in for a 70-yard TD reception

With Mack being such a dual-threat, Kingwood’s defense had to plan for him potentially running. He is good w/ play action

Atascocita 33
Kingwood 28
4th Quarter pic.twitter.com/Jx0JYoO5Ax

— Mark Russell (@MarkRussellQB) October 20, 2024

With that sort of talent, it is obvious why Ole Miss remains steadfast in the hunt to bring Mack to the ‘Sip. His athleticism is quite rare; his physicality and his background at running back are a duality that makes it difficult for opposing defenses to stop.

Quick scouting look at Cardae Mack

• Very gifted athlete
• Speedy with the ability to stop-and-go at will
• Great instincts; always seems to find a path
• Big-play ability on every play — with his legs or arm
• Can be an every-down back at the next level
• Low center of gravity makes him hard to tackle

A visit with Cardae Mack

We had a chance to catch up with Cardae recently and he shared a bit on his recruitment by the Rebs.

RW: Collegiately, you are being recruited as a running back; however, your skills and what you’ve done at quarterback are obvious. How has being a RB helped you excel at the QB position?

Cardae: Being a RB has helped me excel as a QB by being able to escape the pocket when it is about to collapse.

RW: Plenty of programs have their eyes on you, including Ole Miss. What stands out and means the most about the way the Rebs are building a recruiting relationship with you?

Cardae: Coach Kiffin for sure. When the head coach gets involved in the recruiting part, showing his interest, it means a lot.

RW: Naturally with your talent, plenty of the home-state teams are wanting you to stay in Texas. But what would it mean to play in the SEC and a place like Ole Miss?

Cardae: It would be a blessing. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of playing in front of hundreds of thousands of people, and Ole Miss is a great opportunity.

RW: What do you believe is often your most-overlooked skill?

Cardae: My ability to throw the ball, for sure.

Game info

Kickoff from Turner Stadium in Humble, Texas is set for 7:00 p.m. CT tonight.