Louisville Football: 5 Cardinal players to watch vs. Indiana State
By Jacob Lane
Jarrett Jackson – DE
6’6″ 281 pound freshman, Jarrett Jackson, came to Louisville knowing he had the opportunity to show he could make an impact right away. Going into game number two for the Cards, that’s exactly what is going to happen for Jackson after Louisville’s star defensive end, and team captain, Jonathan Greenard, was lost for “a while” with a wrist ligament injury.
We all know that this is the second year in a row where the Cardinals have lost their defensive captain, leader, and best player in the season opener to a serious injury. We also know that the Louisville defense wasn’t the same last season after losing cornerback Jaire Alexander, as Trumaine Washington, Russ Yeast III, Lamarques Thomas, and others were flat out bad all year long.
Will it be the same story for the Cards this season? That is yet to be seen. But if Jarrett Jackson gets a chance to make plays at defensive end, I have all the faith in the world that he’ll do it.
This is a kid who Louisville got into the program after being chased at the last minute by the Miami’s and Florida State’s of the world. There’s no doubt the talent is there. There’s no doubt that the size is there. Now it’s just all about making plays.
Along with Amonte Caban, and Gary McCrae, Jarrett Jackson will compete in the “open try-outs” at the defensive end position left open by Greenard’s absence. Going up against a FCS offensive line, I really believe that Jarrett Jackson will have a chance to steal the position and not look back.