Louisville Football: Cards Land Local Offensive Line Transfer

Just before Louisville football gets camp underway, the staff got some big news when former St. X offensive lineman, Wyatt Smock, announced he’d be headed back to play for the Cards.

Fresh off his bold prediction of Louisville upsetting Alabama on the Paul Finebaum show, Tony Vanetti, yes that Tony Vanetti, announced some big news regarding the Louisville football program. This morning, via Twitter, the former host of The Afternoon Underdogs, and Louisville Catholic sports advocate, broke the news that Vanderbilt offensive guard, Wyatt Smock, would be transferring back home to play for the Cards.

This report was then confirmed by Cardinal Authority’s Jody Demling.

This is a huge pick up for Bobby Petrino, Mike Summers, and the Louisville Cardinals right before the team kicks off fall camp this weekend. There are still a lot of unknown’s regarding the transfer of Smock, but here’s what we know.

Smock, who played is from Louisville and played his high school ball at St. X, was a three star offensive guard in the class of 2018 who received offers from Arkansas, Purdue, Wake Forest,  and several others before ultimately committing to Vanderbilt and signing his National Letter of Intent.

The Cards offered Smock back in February of 2017 according to Rivals, but apparently never received much interest from the 7th best player in the state of Kentucky, and the nation’s 39th best guard.

Now after signing his LOI and reporting for summer school, Smock has decided to transfer from Vanderbilt and head back to Louisville, where he should be with the team for their first practice on Sunday. It is unknown at this point, but the thought is since he was on campus and signed with Vandy, that he will indeed have to sit out the 2018-19 per NCAA transfer rules.

When eligible in 2019-20, Smock will have a great chance to compete for playing time right away. The Cards will be a bit thin as they lose veteran starters Lukayus McNeil, and Kenny Thomas at guard as well as tackle Linwood Foy to graduation. Smock will likely compete with Ronald Rudd, Chandler Jones, Toryque Bateman, and Cole Bentley for those spots on the starting line.

Smock, who comes in at 6’4, 295 pounds, is a big kid with a lot of athleticism for a player his size. When you put his film on you can quickly see why so many teams were after him in the class of 2018.

He’s got a great burst off the ball, with the ability to pummel the first rusher while getting to the second level. The St. X product also looks to have a bit of versatility playing both guard and center during his high school career. He will need to add some weight to his frame to play guard/center at the collegiate level, which should be easy during his transfer year.

Smock will be coached by one of the best offensive line coaches in the country and should develop into a very good player for the Cards. Getting a local kid to transfer back home, right as the 2018-19 season gets underway is a big win for Bobby Petrino and his staff.