Louisville: National Signing Day

Jan 5, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; East wide receiver James Quick (17) during U.S. Army All-American Bowl high school football game at the Alamodome. The East won 15-8. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Charlie Strong and staff have been on the road the last few weeks finalizing the 2013 recruiting class. With only twelve seniors on this years’ roster this recruiting class was expected to be small. Let’s take a look at the newest members of the Louisville Cardinal football team.

-Charles “Chucky” Williams (Ath)– The 6’2 180lb athlete form Hialeah, FL committed to Louisville in late January. Williams is ranked as the #31 multi-position athlete in this year’s class. Williams played safety on defense and had 4 interceptions while racking up over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns as a receiver. Williams had numerous offers that included Nebraska, S Carolina, Arkansas and West Virginia.

-Richard Benjamin (WR)– Benjamin is rated as the #57 wide receiver in the nation. The 6’2 200lb receiver from Tampa, FL had over 500 yards receiving as well as 718 rushing yards. Benjamin also played defense for Tampa Bay Tech recording 4 interceptions. Benjamin chose Louisville over West Virginia, Purdue, Texas A&M and Florida State.

-Kyle Bolin (QB)– The Lexington Catholic quarterback has been a long time commit to the Cards giving his verbal as far back as September 2011. Bolin threw for over 1,500 yards and led Lexington Catholic to a 7-1 record before tearing his ACL. As a junior he threw for 3,100 yards and 31 touchdowns.

-Chandler Bridges (OL)– The 6’2 270lb lineman from Flowery Branch, GA committed to Louisville back in December. In his senior season Bridges was named first team All- State by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Bridges chose Louisville over Southern Miss & Kentucky.

-James Quick (WR)– The highly recruited 4 star wide receiver from Louisville Trinity was Mr. Football in the state of Kentucky. Quick had over 1,400 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns helping lead Trinity to another state title. The offer list was lengthy and included the likes of Alabama, Oregon, Ohio St & Kentucky.

-Terrance Ross (DB)– Defensive back, 6’2 190lb out of Wekiva HS in Apopka, FL committed to Louisville in May 2012. A playmaker in the secondary with length and speed to cover a lot of ground Ross also had interest from Cincinnati and Wake Forest.

-Kyle Shortridge (DT)– Ranked as the 44th defensive tackle Shortridge originally committed to Purdue but opened his recruitment when Danny Hope was fired. A very physical player at 6’4 275-pounds, Shortridge, Seminole Ridge HS in Loxahatchee, FL had an impressive list of offers that included Miami and Nebraska.

-Finesse Middleton (DT)– Middleton (Gadsden, AL), originally committed to Ole Miss is ranked the 68th best DE and had offers from Mississippi State, Tulane and UAB before deciding on Louisville. Louisville’s move from the Big East to the ACC helped sway Middleton’s decision.

-Donel Elam (LB)– Three-star linebacker from Fleming Island HS in Jacksonville, Elam( 6’1 20lb) has football in his blood. He is the nephew of Dallas Cowboy Abram Elam and Florida Gator Matt Elam. Donel also had interest from FIU and West Virginia.

-De’Asian Richardson (DE)– The 19h ranked defensive end has freakish athletic ability for someone at 6’3 295 pounds. Very versatile, can stop the run and rush the passer. Played his high school ball at Fist Coast HS in Orange Park, FL. Had offers from Alabama, Florida State, Oklahoma just to name a few before choosing Louisville.

-Brett Nelson (QB)– Nelson from Southwestern CC in California threw for over 2,800 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. The 6’4 220 pound lefty will have two years eligibility left and should provide a solid back-up to Teddy Bridgewater at the QB spot.

-Cameron Frasier (OL)– Frasier, 6’4 290, was the 25th best offensive lineman in the state of Alabama. Originally committed to South Florida the three star lineman flipped to Louisville in late January. Fraser also held offers from Arkansas and UAB.

-Keith Kelsey, JR (LB)– Kelsey form Gainesville HS in Gainesville, FL is a tenacious linebacker that specializes in stopping the run had 193 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Kelsey’s father played linebacker for the Gators. The 46th ranked linebacker had offers from South Florida, South Carolina and Kentucky.

-Keith Towbridge (TE)– Towbridge 6’4 230lb out of Central Catholic in Toledo was ranked 66th in the state of Ohio. A versatile tight end, Towbridge excelled in a run oriented offense, had offers from Cincinnati, Nebraska and Kentucky.

-Lyn Clark (LB)– Clark once a Tulane commit started turning heads during his senior season. The inside linebacker is known for hard hitting and stopping the run. The New Orleans native flipped to Louisville in late January. Clark had numerous offers including Colorado, Utah and Kentucky.

–Skylar Lacy (OL)– The 6’6 290lb lineman from Greenwood, IN was ranked the 14th ranked lineman in the state. Lacey will add bulk to Charlie Strong’s offensive line. Lacy also held offers from Cincinnati and Ball State.