5 players for Louisville football that you need to know

Caleb Chandler – OG

RS sophomore

With the hiring of Dwayne Ledford, one of the nation’s top offensive line coaches in the country, there should be plenty of optimism for Cardinal fans about the offensive line. For most fans, they know the big names returning on the offensive line like Mekhi Becton and Cole Bentley, but some may not be familar with Caleb Chandler who will likely be the team’s starting right guard come fall.

Caleb Chandler was a very highly touted recruit when he chose to come to play for the Louisville football program, picking the Cards over Florida, Mississippi State, Miami, Oregon, and Virginia Tech amongst other Power Five programs.

After redshirting his freshman season, it looked like the 6’4″ 295 pound offensive guard was ready to compete for a role on the offensive line among more experienced guys like Kenny Thomas, Lukayus McNeil, Mekhi Becton, and Robbie Bell.

While Chandler didn’t end up winning a starting job, he did eventually get a chance to play towards the back half of the season showing potential as a future starter. It was hard to tell if there was anything that would give fans hope for this season, as the offensive line was one of the worst all-around in the country.

Now with Scott Satterfield and company bringing in a new run-heavy scheme that relies on the offensive line to read defensive fronts and block accordingly, athletes with speed and physicality will be what’s needed to take a big jump forward, something Chandler has.

Louisville football recruiting writer Chris Person wrote about Chandler two years ago and what he had to say applies perfectly to what Ledford will be looking for up front.

"“Caleb Chandler is the highest rated of all uncommitted lineman as well as all recruits Louisville is heavily involved with and it shows with how well rounded of a prospect he is. Chandler has the athleticism to consistently get to the 2nd level and finish blocks, the strength to move d-lineman and open up run lanes, and the flexibility to win 1 on 1 battles with defenders by getting low and using leverage. Whether it’s moving a defensive tackle or in pass protection on the outside with a speed rusher, Chandler squares his shoulders and engages defenders with precision.”"

Chandler will be relied upon to pull and get out in front of running backs on option and pistol-formation plays, which requires speed and smarts (knowing where to be and when).

While it’s going to take a lot of work, Chandler very easily could go from being fringe starter (last season) to one of the most improved offensive players under Scott Satterfield.