BONUS PLAYER
Michael Boykin – DE
Sophomore
Projected stats: 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 6.5 TFL
One of my favorite players already, and a guy I expect to be the steal of the 2018 recruiting class is Michael Boykin.
If you remember, Boykin committed to Louisville wayyyyy back in 2015 (2016 class) as a highly recruited defensive end. A few issues would keep Boykin from enrolling, and he found himself playing for Gulf Coast CC.
Once again Boykin found himself committing to the Cards in 2017, and is now officially available to play this season and will have three years of eligibility. Boykin is a freak of a human being, standing at 6’6 and weighing 303 pounds, and should be a starter on the defensive line starting from day one. Louisville and BVG will be tasked with replacing four starters from last years front four including, James Hearns, Trevon Young, De’Asian Richardson, and Drew Bailey.
Boykin is extremely stout in the run, and should help the Cardinals improve in protecting the edge, something they really struggled with last season. We know that unit really struggled to get after the quarterback, or apply any type of rush, but if you put on film (particularly against Boston College) you’ll quickly see how easy it was for backs to get outside.
If he produces at the level he’s capable of, Louisville could be a huge player for the defense in 2018-19.
Other names to watch:
- Tobias Little – RB/FB
- Nick Okeke – LB
- Cole Bentley – OG/C
- Khane Pass – LB/S
- Cornelius Sturghill – CB/WR
Losing 14+ starters and key reserves is a never a good thing for any team, not even for the biggest programs in the country, but this season several young players with a lot of talent should have the opportunity to big things for Louisville.
Petrino has had a great eye for talent over the years, and has been an even better player developer during his time at UofL. These five players listed are just a handful of the guys who could be in store for breakout seasons in 2018-19.
Next: Depth Chart Preview: Tight End
All statistics, and measurements are courtesy of the official football roster at GoCards.com