Louisville football: Three takeaways from the early signing period
Louisville filled positions of need
Scott Satterfield made it clear at his opening press conference that he was going to be looking for players to fill specific positions. Bobby Petrino, listening somewhere, is probably confused as to why Satterfield isn’t recruiting 17 wide receivers, but it is true that Louisville, in the past, has not recruited well based on their needs. Petrino’s last few classes brought in under-sized linebackers that should be safeties, played would-be corners at safety, didn’t nail down any elite edge rushers, failed to bring in an accurate quarterback, and lacked concern for what the tight end position would look like going forward.
Sure, there were quality JUCO players committed when Satterfield took over that could have filled the aforementioned holes, but if you recruit JUCOs and grad transfers now, the holes will rear their ugly heads in two years time. Satterfield could still potentially go the JUCO route in a worst case scenario, but let’s see how this class pans out first.
Louisville got off to a good start on Wednesday by signing players that perfectly fit their needs. Louisville held on to Zach Williamson, who will add to offensive line depth that is desperately needed. Williamson was labeled by Satterfield as “extremely intelligent,” and has good length. A perfect fit for Louisville’s offensive line, especially in the next 2-3 years. The fourth ranked player in West Virginia was the second guy Satterfield visited after arriving in Louisville.
The Cards were able to flip inside linebacker Dorian Jones, a Florida kid who was a long-time Indiana pledge. Jones stands out on tape because of his ability to assess the play like James Burgess, and finish a tackle like Calvin Pryor. I wouldn’t believe you if you told me that the Cards signed a harder hitter in this class. In addition, Louisville signed Evan Conley, who was a long-time QB commit to Appalachian State. Both of these players fill a position where Louisville desperately needs depth.
The Cards look to be set at running back, but it was a crucial addition to add Aidan Robbins from DuPont Manual. Satterfield’s teams have had a 1,000 yard rusher in almost every season he’s been a head coach. That should be seen as an opportunity for Robbins, who projects as an every down back. Most importantly with Robbins’s signing was the staff recognizing Louisville’s need to keep a top recruit in their own back yard. A huge pick-up for the future of Louisville recruiting.