Louisville Football: Cards get additional help in the backfield

Louisville football fans were surprised today when a report from a trusted Cardinal sports source indicated that a familar face would be returning to the field this season.

The last time Louisville football fans saw Jeremy Smith, it was after his second straight goal line fumble in Lucas Oil Stadium against the Purdue Boilermakers in the 2017-18 season opener. After just five carries, Smith would be lost for the season with a foot injury before announcing his intent to transfer.

The loss of Smith to injury was a devastating blow to the Cardinals running back depth, leaving behind just Reggie Bonnafon, Trey Smith, and Malik Williams. When talking about Smith leading up to the 2017-18 season, you often heard people say things like “power back” or “work horse” as many thought he would be the lead back for the Cardinals.

The backfield had a couple of things going for it last season as Malik Williams emerged, WR turned RB, Reggie Bonnafon, got better throughout the season, and Dae Williams returned mid season from an ACL injury,. But all along Jeremy Smith was clearly missed, as the Cards struggled to get a consistent running game going due to injury and the presence of Lamar Jackson.

As mentioned, Smith would transfer out of the Louisville program in December, hoping to catch on with a team for his final year of eligibility. When the senior transferred, his father told the Courier Journal:

"“He doesn’t want anything negative. He loved Louisville. That’s the place where he grew up and became a man. He loved the city and the fans. The system just doesn’t work for him.”"

But strangely enough, Smith never found a home. Until today.

Jody Demling of CardinalAuthority.com tweeted this afternoon:

"BREAKING: Former Louisville running back Jeremy Smith has returned to the Cardinals’ football program for his senior season per multiple sources. Smith went through his first practice on Tuesday afternoon."

The timing couldn’t be more perfect, coming on the heels of the news that spring standout, Tobias Little, would be most likely be lost for the season due to a significant knee injury. Little was expected to be the team’s goal line back and fullback for the upcoming season. With Smith, the Cards get a guy who is experienced, playing three years under Bobby Petrino and the current offensive staff, putting up 652 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while catching 20 passes for 246 yards and a touchdown.

Along side of Trey Smith and Dae Williams, Jeremy Smith will bring more power and size to the Louisville backfield. Smith also displayed a strong ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, something Petrino loves to utilize, along with the ability to pick up blitzes and block downfield.

An interesting nugget that’s worth monitoring over the next few days is whether or not the senior tailback will be available Saturday versus Alabama. According to Jody Demling, Smith will have to practice for a full week before being eligible to take the field for Louisville.

Smith will likely split time between fullback and running back, while getting carries in the goal line when Louisville needs a yard or two to get into the end zone. The fumbling problem is still something that leaves me to worry, but if Petrino is willing to take the chance a guy who could provide instant impact in just three days, then I’m all in.

This is a win-win for Bobby Petrino and the Louisville backfield. If Smith is able to stay healthy and hang on to the football, well the Cards just got a little bit bigger and little bit better.