Louisville Football: 5 Players Primed for Breakout Seasons
By Jacob Lane
Kemari Averett – TE
Sophomore
Projected stats: 22 catches, 350 yards, 3 touchdowns
You may look at #11 for Louisville’s offense and think to yourself, “that’s an odd number for an offensive lineman to wear.” While that’s a true statement about the whole number thing, don’t be fooled, Averett is a 6’7, 265 pound tight end, who is expected to be one of three guys contributing at that position for Bobby Petrino’s offense this season.
Averett played sparingly in 2017-18 for Louisville, as he was considered to be a raw talent coming in as a freshman. As Charles Standberry struggled to produce throughout the year, the offensive staff thought getting the giant tight end out there for blocking purposes could be beneficial. Though his size would signal he isn’t a great athlete or pass catcher, Averett proved otherwise on his 22 yard touchdown run down the sideline on 4th and 11 against Boston College.
The freshman tight end would go on to finish the season with 6 receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown for the Cardinals.
With Standberry gone this season, Averett figures to be a huge part of the offense for Bobby Petrino and tight end coach Chris Klenakis. Averett present a huge mismatch for almost all defenses, as he’s got the size to completely overpower a corner or safety, and the speed to outrun a linebacker.
Not to mention his size and blocking abilities should provide a boost for the Cards, who turn to a true pocket passer, meaning more will be needed from running backs Dae Williams, Colin Wilson, and Trey Smith.
Though Averett will likely split reps with fifth year senior Micky Crum, and junior Jordan Davis, the Cards will have no choice but to make sure their offensive line sized tight end sees the field a lot in 2018-19.