Malik Cunningham could be jack of all trades for Louisville football
After a redshirt Freshman season filled with promising highlights, Louisville football’s Malik Cunningham could make an impact in other areas besides just quarterback.
Louisville football coach Scott Satterfield loves speed.
The first year head man of the rebuilding Cardinals squad made it apparent right out of the gate, and he has continued to praise some of his previously under-utilized smaller, yet quicker players at all positions.
Satterfield joined Mark Ennis on 93.9’s The Drive on Thursday, and he didn’t hold back when praising Cardinals like speedy running back Hassan Hall or shifty wide receiver Tutu Atwell. What Satterfield said that may have stuck out the most, though, was about his quarterbacks- particularly rising redshirt Sophomore Malik Cunningham.
"“Malik Cunningham has been one of the best athletes on our team. He’s incredible what he can do. I don’t want him standing on the sideline. He’s too good of a player. We’ll try to get him in the game wherever that may be.”"
Cunningham was in and out of Louisville’s line up in 2018. He only started three contests for the Cards, but he came in in place of Jawon Pass on four different occasions.
What sticks out in Cunningham’s game is his accuracy as a passer, both in the pocket, and on the run, as well as his elite speed. Cunningham is still working on his ability as a quarterback, but his escapeability is Lamar Jackson-esque. When he gets the ball in the open field, he is nearly impossible to catch; Which is why even in limited playing time, he was the Cards’s leading rusher.
As Satterfield went on to mention, Cunningham could very well win the starting quarterback job come the first week of September. However, if Pass or true freshman Evan Conley were to win the job, Cunningham is still going to find his way onto the field.
"“I don’t want him out there on the sideline. He’s too good of a player to not be on the field, so we are going to find ways to get him out there, wherever that may be.”"
With his elite-level bursts, Cunningham’s best skill-sets may be best used behind center. However, if he is able to grow into his frame a bit more in the off-season and add a few pounds, he could be an excellent option in a number of areas.
Cards fans could see No. 3 line up at running back a la Javian Hawkins, or the aforementioned Hall. Or, you could see Cunningham line up in the slot like Atwell, who is also a converted quarterback. Cunningham could even be used as a kick and punt returner. With his speed and athleticism, Louisville’s options are a plenty.
Whatever the case, the new Louisville staff is trying to press all of the right buttons in a season where they are admittedly lacking in depth and searching for answers at multiple positions.
Unlike their predecessors though, Satterfield and his staff are going to milk every ounce of talent out of this roster. Even if it means players like Cunningham changing positions.