C.J. Avery – LB
Sophomore
Projected stats: 78 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.5 TFL, 2 INT
There wasn’t a higher rated player in the 2017 recruiting class for the Cardinals than C.J. Avery, who was the 7th best safety in the country and the 79th best player overall according to ESPN’s recruiting rankings.
Coming in behind two experienced starters in Zykesis Cannon and Chucky Williams, Avery didn’t get the chance to shine right away like other freshman in his class such as Dorian Etheridge, and Mekhi Becton. Instead, Avery was moved to the “star” position in Peter Sirmon’s defensive scheme, where he was forced to play a role he never had before, undersized at that.
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The talented freshman still finished the year with decent stats, racking up 22 tackles (most of which came on special teams) and one fumble recovery, while getting fans excited about his potential in 2018-19.
Now that the time is come, fans need to start talking about Avery, now. Since arriving on campus Avery has bulked up big time, going from 190 pounds to 215, which will help him tremendously as he moves into a likely full time starting role at linebacker.
With Brian VanGorder mostly playing a 4-3 defense (he’ll still play a 3-4 at times), the Cards DC will utilize the mike, will, and sam linebacker position. Avery will play next to sophomore Dorian Etheridge, and most likely incoming freshman Robert Hicks, who are both tackling machines, which will allow for Avery to use his speed to blitz as well as cover linebackers, running backs, and tight ends.
Avery had a great spring, and was one of the biggest impact players for the defense. Enough to be named defensive MVP by CardinalAuthority.com writer Jody Demling.
I fully expect by the end of the 2018-19 season that we are talking about Avery being the biggest break out player on the season, and one of the biggest stat sheet stuffers for Louisville.