Lee’s Summit High School strong safety Caden Perry is eyeing a leadership role his senior year for the Tigers’ defense this upcoming season.

“What I do out on the field is I’m basically the quarterback for the defense. I play strong safety. I’m the last man on defense so if anyone gets by, I’m always there,” he said.

Perry said he looks to bring a leader’s voice to his team during the upcoming season, as one of the defensive players returning for Lee’s Summit.

“I’ve got to help the young guys know what it is all about playing defense on the varsity; I’ve got to bring the physicality,” he said.

Perry said his most important game last season was a game against Raymore-Peculiar where he made a one-handed interception in a game where the defense held Ray-Pec to 23 (44-23) for the win.

“Things I am working on in my game is getting my hips stronger and opening up more my stance, and getting more physical with my hands,” he said.

Perry began playing football in the third grade. He said there are players on the LSHS roster that he’s played with since then.

The most influential person in Perry’s football career thus far has been Matt Weaver, one who has been involved in coaching him since those early days.

“Every single year since third grade up to my junior year (last season) coach Weaver has been my coach,” he said.

When it comes to those playing at the higher levels that Perry looks to for inspiration, he said he likes watching NFL players that show forth their commitment, love for the game and hard work.

Perry has drawn interest from a number of colleges that could use his defensive services. Illinois State, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, University of Northern Iowa have all shown interest in Perry, and Air Force gave him his first offer back in May.