Louisville Football: 2016 Season Awards For The Cardinals

Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Jaylen Smith (9) celebrates with Cardinals tight end Cole Hikutini (18) after catching the game-winning touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Cardinals won 32-25. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals cornerback Jaire Alexander (10) avoids the tackles of Florida State Seminoles place kicker Logan Tyler (21) and linebacker Ro /

Best Breakout Player On Defense | Jaire Alexander

Oh man, do we love ourselves some Jaire Alexander. In his sophomore season, Alexander was the biggest player on the defense and special teams. Whether it was returning punts or forcing turnovers, he had all of us on our feet with excitement.

It’s a great feeling to know that Alexander will be returning on next year’s Louisville football team. He has been the clear number one cornerback and will assume the punt return duties again in 2017.

Alexander has proven himself to be a game-changer and one of the best defensive backs in the entire country.

Alexander finished the regular season with five interceptions, eight passes broken up, and 36 total tackles.

Next: Most Disappointing Player On Offense

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