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Louisville football: Five offensive players with the most to prove

By Presley Meyer

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 09: Dez Fitzpatrick #87 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the game at Kenan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Louisville won 47-35. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 09: Dez Fitzpatrick #87 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the game at Kenan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Louisville won 47-35. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Louisville football, Louisville offensive line
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – SEPTEMBER 22: Malik Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals throws a pass in the first half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Cole Bentley

On an offensive line that continued to regress last season, Louisville needs Cole Bentley to be a stronghold up front.

Bentley impressed early during his freshman year, but has struggled to find his fit on an ever-changing line without a ton of depth.

Louisville brings in some talented pieces including a handful of 2019 freshmen and Florida grad transfer TJ McCoy but ultimately, the Cards are going to need their veterans to step up.

That includes Bentley who had to slide over to replace the injured Robbie Bell at center to start last season, but did not play up to his expectations anchoring the line. He again is seeing snaps at center during spring ball and now over the summer, but with McCoy joining the fold Bentley and a healthy Bell could potentially find their place in a spot that is a more natural fit.

Louisville’s line will feature potential first round 2020 NFL draft choice Mekhi Becton as well as returnees like Caleb Chandler, Ronald Rudd, and stud up-and-comer Adonis Boone. But if Bentley can return to his 2017 form, Louisville offensive coordinator Dwayne Ledford may be able to work his magic.

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