6. Pete Nygra, C
Perhaps one of the most improved position groups across the Louisville football team was the offensive line. Many Louisville fans were unhappy with the play of the offensive line, especially early on, with the struggles that were experienced with the run game. These struggles became less and less pervasive as the season progressed, culminating in an incredible performance in the win against the Kentucky Wildcats to end the season. This turnaround has to start with the senior leadership of the guy in the middle, Pete Nygra.
Nygra entered the season as a Rimington Award watchlist member, a title bestowed on the best center in college football. His play and ability to lead by example propelled the offensive line to improve its performance and become an absolute force in the run game by season’s end. Their pass protection also improved game by game, giving quarterback Miller Moss more and more time to make decisions in the pocket. What was once an early-season weakness for the Louisville offense became a consistent strength thanks to Pete Nygra.