Ranking each of the Louisville football positions from weakest to strongest

1. Specialists

Returnees: Blanton Creque (K – R-Sr.), Mason King (P – R-Sr.), Mitch Hall (LS – Jr.)

Not Returning: n/a

It’s typically not common for a power five program’s best returning position group to be the specialists (kicker, punter, long snapper), but without knocking this group that’s where Louisville currently stands. That is no knock to the group of specialists who return for the Cards, but more of a knock against the previous

The group that Louisville returns for 2019 is a special one, that includes two seniors at punter and kicker and a junior, scholarship long snapper.

Creque’s numbers took a big dip in 2018 after being first in the ACC and second nationally in point scored in 2017, which was one of the best seasons from a Cardinal kicker in history. He attempted just 12 field goal attempts (down from 20 in 2017) and only 30 extra points compared to the 59 in 2017. However, even with fewer attempts Creque was nearly automatic going 10/12 on field goals, including a 46 yarder, and 27/30 on extra points.

For King, he was probably on the field more than any other non-skill position starter last season. The redshirt senior punted 69 times (ranked 20th in the country) and held an average of 40.6 yards per punt (83rd in the country). Even with King’s average being over 40 yards per punt, Louisville managed to finish 103rd in NET yards allowed.

Louisville’s biggest need for improvement will be in covering kick-offs, and punts as they were statistically one of the worst teams in the ACC last year and also had some weird philosophies. Under Stu Holt, expect that all to change and for Louisville to take a huge step forward on special teams.

Position Grade: A+