Louisville Football: 5 Freshmen to Watch for This Season

Louisville football looks to replace many key elements on the field this season. Look for these five freshmen to make an immediate impact.

This season, Louisville football will enter into its ‘post-Lamar Jackson’ years. Many look at this season being a likely let down in the quality we’re used to seeing from the boys on Floyd Street, but those who are a bit more optimistic see this as a huge opportunity for some young blood to shine bright.

Last season we saw plenty of freshmen receive playing time from day one, and have a significant impact throughout the season, the biggest being Dorian Etheridge. Etheridge came into the program as a three star program, who had the potential to be a contributor in year two. But to the surprise of many, the linebacker went on to start all 12 games for the Cardinals, even leading the team in tackles.

Of course we also can’t forget about Mekhi Becton. The gigantic offensive lineman played in every game last season, starting the majority of those, proving to be a future NFL star in the process. Becton played the entire season on the right side of the line, but showed in flipped formations, that he has everything needed to be the starting left tackle this season.

Russ Yeast, who came in as a highly coveted corner, started several games last season after the injury to star corner Jaire Alexander. While he struggled at times, he showed a lot of potential to be an eventual long term starter.

CJ Avery, Mitch Hall, Josh Jackson, Corey Reed, Kemari Averett, Cole Bentley, TreSean Smith, and several others all saw meaningful playing time in their first season on campus in 2017-18.

We fully expect the 2018 class of freshmen to see the same success. Let’s look at a few freshmen who I believe will play an important role during this upcoming season.

#1. Robert Hicks – Linebacker

The highest ranked player in this year’s recruiting class according to ESPN, Hicks looks to play a big role on the Cardinal Defense this year. After enrolling in January, Hicks had the opportunity to learn the schemes of new Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder. In the spring game, Hicks recorded 4 tackles, including one for a 1-yard loss.

Rob Cassidy of Rivals Sports breaks down a little bit of Hicks’ game.

With the departures of Stacy Thomas and Isaac Stewart, my (slightly) bold prediction is Hicks is the starting middle linebacker for the Cards week one against Alabama. He could very easily be a four year starter (maybe even three). The defensive coaching staff has loved the work he’s putting in and he could very well be the next great Louisville linebacker.

#2. Malik Cunningham – Quarterback

Louisville fans would be fools to think we won’t see a Lamar-esque quarterback on the field this season. While Jawon “Puma” Pass most likely has the lock down on the starting quarterback spot, I imagine Bobby would like to utilize Cunningham in some capacity. Personally, I would like to see the Cards use Malik as a second throwing option on the field. The Wildcat schemes typically don’t work because the defense knows the running QB or running back are going to run the ball the vast majority of the time. Malik can dazzle you with his legs, and everyone knows that. I hope Coach Petrino can figure out a way to use Cunningham effectively. If not, we’ll likely just see him in mop up minutes.

#3 Chatarius Atwell/Tyler Harrell – Wide Receiver

This is where we start getting into the long shot predictions. Both of these players show huge potential which Cardinal fans might see on the field this fall. Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell, a small 5’9 Wideout, showed off his quickness in the spring game, pulling in 6 catches for 73 yards. While Harrell, a 6’0 receiver out of Miami, Fl has some major speed of his own. According to 247Sports, Harrell ran a 20.28 in the 200 meters to win the state title in Florida. He’s also been clocked at a 4.41 40 yard dash and a 10.37 in the 100 meter dash.

Unfortunately for the two freshmen, Louisville’s deepest position is Wide Receiver. I expect Jaylen Smith, Dez Fitzpatrick, and Seth Dawkins to hold down the starting spots, along with Josh Johnson at the slot. Devante Peete, and Justin Marshall should be the 4th/5th guys, but expect these freshmen to battle with Emonee Spence, Corey Reed, and Keion Wakefield for solid back up minutes.

#4 Jarrett Jackson – Defensive Lineman

I couldn’t possibly create this list without including the three star defensive lineman. When Jackson committed to the Cards, many considered him to be a target to fill several of the voids left on the Louisville defensive line, and I agree 100%. The Palm Beach Gardens product chose the Cards even after receiving major interest from Florida State, Florida, and several other big time schools.

Jackson comes into the program with great size at 6’6, 275 pounds, which is right where you would expect a college strong side defensive end to be. He has great athleticism, and a natural feel for the game, which should allow him to see ample playing time from day one.

Replacing Drew Bailey and De’Asian Richardson will be extremely difficult, but with Jackson and fellow newcomers Mike Boykin and Jared Goldwire, Brian Van Gorder will have some nice pieces for 2018-19.

#5 – What about Redshirt Freshmen?

While this list has included mostly “true freshmen,” it would be a travesty to not include some of the players who were apart of the 2017 class that sat out last season and are gearing up for their debuts as redshirt freshmen.

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The biggest name to watch in my opinion is Justin Marshall. The former four star wide receiver out of Covington, GA has elite size at 6’3, 205 pounds, paired with great speed. This kid also has the ability to go up and get jump balls, a skill that reminds me a lot of former Cardinal DeVante Parker.

While Marshall has great talent that could be extremely beneficial to the Cardinal offense, we’ve already mentioned the depth of the wide receiver position. Marshall will likely receive snaps, but maybe not as many as you might expect.

One the defensive side of the ball, I believe the biggest name to watch in 2018-19 is PJ Blue. The 6’3, 215 pounder came into the program as a safety, ultimately sitting out his first season as a redshirt, and then missing all of 2017-18 with an injury. Since then, Bobby Petrino has elected to move him to his more natural position of linebacker, where he should see immediate playing time, and could even start.

Blue has the size and strength to play the run at an elite level, while being able to shed bigger blockers in the process. But because of his time playing safety and defensive back in high school, Blue has very good cover skills, that will help him cover tight ends, running backs, and some receivers over the field.

Let us also not forget about running back Colin Wilson, who looked like he could be a factor in the backfield last year, before a torn ACL ended his season. Coach Petrino said after the spring game he expects for Wilson to be ready for summer workouts.

Other redshirt freshmen to watch include LB/DE Kam Jones, OL Chandler Jones, DE Malik Clark, and CB Anthony Johnson.

Bobby Petrino and the Louisville coaching staff have recruited at an extremly high level over the last two seasons, which has allowed for several extremely talented players to receive playing time right away, and make an immediate impact.

I believe that this season will be very similar to last year, where numerous players see the field right away. While other programs bring in talented recruits and force them to sit out the season, Louisville has made a name for itself for it’s willingness to play freshmen right away.

Also, the new rule that allows true freshmen to play in up to four games in a season without losing the ability to be redshirted could be crucial in 2018-19.

Next: 3 Keys on Defense for Louisville Football in 2018