How former NFL, MLB greats helped develop Lakeland football's Cam Fuse

Gallery: Lakeland, Tenoroc in action in Week 5

Lakeland junior wide receiver Cam Fuse ran a quick hitch route before hauling in a pass from quarterback Kelin Hendrix and scampering in for a 32-yard touchdown. It ultimately helped the Dreadnaughts secure a 49-14 win over Auburndale Friday at home.

"I loved this game with the guys. We got to showcase our talent out there on the field. We practiced really hard. And that practice really showcased on the field," Fuse said.

These practice habits stamped the No. 13 team in Florida at 4-1 on the year. Fuse was instrumental in helping Lakeland win big, as he racked up three catches for 54 yards and a score. But he doesn't rest on his laurels, and he augments his skill set from some of the very best that have ever played the game.

Fuse, a two-sport star who plays football and baseball, has family who played football and baseball at the highest level: former NFL receiver Anquan Boldin and Major League infielder Dee Strange-Gordon are his cousins. Boldin was a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens and Gordon was a two-time all-star, Gold Glover, Silver Slugger, batting champion and a three-time stolen bases leader.

And these aren't family members who Fuse sees now and then because of his busy schedule; rather, along with speaking with them regularly, he incorporates them into his training schedule to polish his skill set in both sports. Over this past summer Fuse and Boldin worked out together at a park, working on route running and footwork. And with Gordon, Fuse is able to take advantage of his batting cages while also training together.

Fuse said he fully intends to utilize his professional resources to accomplish team goals for the Lakeland football and baseball programs in 2026-27.

Specifically in football, Fuse started flag football when he was 7 in an Avon Park youth league.

As he navigated through the weights trying to find himself as a player, he studied the game of New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Fuse landed the former LSU great because of his dance moves, creativity to get open, his route running and his spectacular catches, especially the one-handed, 43-yard touchdown reception on Nov. 23, 2014, against the Dallas Cowboys .

With Beckham Jr.'s inspiration and Fuse constantly playing backyard football with his friends, the future pass catcher convinced his mom to eventually let him play football. Fuse would go on to play football, arduously training in sand to develop his speed while also training with Boldin, who helped him make a name for himself early on.

His family moved to Lakeland two years ago.

"It was really the opportunity at Lakeland (that made me want to play there). Me and mom had a talk eighth-grade summer and we decided on Lakeland," Fuse said.

A couple years into the Dreadnaught powerhouse, Fuse has already been a part of some teams that have made it all the way to state. And in those moments, he said that he has gleaned a lot of information, including life moments and football situations from head coach Marvin Frazier and assistant coach Henderson Taylor.

The 6'2, 180-pound receiver takes his coaching seriously and has developed himself into one of the best wide receivers in Polk County, as he runs his routes crisp and he attacks the ball at the highest point.

"I'm a humble kid. I just stick to the grind. I'm not a kid that will go party or anything like that," Fuse said.

Fuse through five games is up to 17 receptions for 328 yards ― with a season-long of 85 — and a score. More importantly, the Dreadnaughts have won four of five and are well on their way to accomplishing their goals.

"Cam's a leader. (He's) played a lot of football (and) has been a starter since his second game as a freshman. (He's) definitely a locker room guy that all of the kids enjoy and respect," Frazier said.

Fuse has his immediate goals for this season and for after 2028 when he graduates. But right now, big-time colleges have eyes on him including Minnesota , Auburn, Florida State, Kansas State, among other schools.

Lakeland (4-1) will next play the SFA Rams Friday at home.