Louisville football: Who will emerge as offensive x-factor in 2019?
By Jacob Lane
Javian Hawkins – Running back
Redshirt freshman
The next potential x-factor for Louisville in 2019 is redshirt freshman Javian Hawkins. As a true freshman, we didn’t get to see much of Hawkins, as he appeared in just a few games carrying the ball twice for eight yards and catching one pass for four, before taking a redshirt.
Moving into his first real season of action under Scott Satterfield, while getting a full offseason to prepare, Hawkins looks like a potential breakthrough player at the running back position and a perfect fit for what the offense will be doing in 2019.
While Hassan Hall, our predicted MVP offensive player for 2019, expected to get the bulk of the carries for Louisville, the speedy Hawkins is likely to be second in line along with returnee Dae Williams. What gives Hawkins the edge over Williams and other Louisville backs is his speed and elusiveness, which is the primary focus for Satterfield’s offenses.
As I alluded to in a recent article, the last five years show Satterfield’s carry distribution amongst his primary running backs and how he relies heavily on the use of a secondary back, which I believe will be Hawkins this season.
"The number five represents the number of years Appalachian State had at least one 1,050 yard rusher and one 500+ yard rusher since Scott Satterfield took over. Satterfield’s offenses always run the ball well, regardless of what else they do on offense. In each of the five seasons since Appalachian State moved from FCS to FBS, they’ve finished in the top 25 in total rushing yards – finishing 25th in their first season at the new level improving to sixth the following year. Behind the speed and power of Hassal Hall and the pure speed and elusiveness of Javian Hawkins, the Louisville Cardinals very easily could be the nation’s most improved running offense in 2019 and it may not even be close. While the offensive line may struggle at times, due to the lack of athletic maulers, a facet that is greatly needed in order to succeed, Satterfield will be coaching his most talented group of running backs in his entire career and that bodes well for everyone."
The coaching staff also have raved about the performance and improvement of Hawkins throughout the Spring, none more so than running back’s coach Norval McKenzie, who said:
"“Hawkins has done really well this spring. He does a very good job with the ball in his hands; he’s very electric. He can be an explosive back for us.”"
Whether it’s taking handoffs out of the backfield, being used as a decoy, catching screen passes or being used as a route runner, Hawkins has the chance to provide a major impact on the Louisville offense. Appalachian State’s offenses used a lot of pistol and shotgun formations, with multiple backs, where an option play allowed the QB to get out wide and have a home-run hitting back available for the pitch with room to make a play, and that’s exactly what he could provide this season.