The receivers
Dez Fitzpatrick
Without question, redshirt junior Dez Fitzpatrick is the number one receiver for Gunter Brewer and Scott Satterfield headed into the season. He is a special talent who could be in store for a big season this year.
After a shaky second season, Fitzpatrick is no doubt motivated and hungry to get back to his playmaking ways as a freshman. He gives whoever is the Louisville quarterback an elite route runner with great hands, that can make catches anywhere on the field in just about any formation. With two other formidable weapons alongside, defenses won’t likely double-team the junior, giving him a chance to dominate in one-on-one coverage.
Entering 2019, it’s a chance for a fresh start for Fitzpatrick, who will be heavily relied upon as a veteran leader of a talented wide receiver unit. The Cards need him to be a play-maker in his redshirt junior season.
Tutu Atwell
As I wrote last week, Tutu Atwell can do it all at the slot position. He’s a smaller guy, at just 5’8, who has the ability to get lost over the middle while burning opposing tackles with his speed.
This season he’ll see a lot of targets, especially if Jawon Pass is forced to get the ball out of his hands quickly due to a struggling offensive line. It doesn’t matter if it is a two-yard pass or a fifty-yard pass, Atwell can score anywhere or anytime.
Satterfield will also likely use Atwell in the running game, both as a second or third option for a handoff in end around or options plays, as well as a decoy to keep defenses guessing/reacting. I think he easily could lead the team in targets and maybe even receptions by seasons end.
Justin Marshall
Justin Marshall is a name that Cards fans have been hearing since he stepped onto the field back in 2017. In his third season on campus, he’s yet to grab a single pass but that should change this season as he’ll likely back up Fitzpatrick.
Marshall is a big-bodied kid, with DeVante Parker like athleticism, who could become a deep threat or even a red zone target.
Thomas Jackson
After graduating from UNC, Thomas Jackson transferred to Louisville in a somewhat surprising move considering the depth at the position. However, his experience and leadership will be invaluable to a team trying to get back on track.
Jackson has experience playing for Gunter Brewer at North Carolina and should be an easy plug and play type of guy when Atwell needs a breather. He has 40 catches for 401 yards and eight touchdowns over his four-year career, and he’ll provide another dangerous weapon for Pass in the short and intermediate passing game.
Seth Dawkins
Entering his senior season Seth Dawkins has emerged into a leader on the offense this offseason, and his skillsets fit what Satterfield and company are going to want to do down the field. Dawkins will provide a big and steady target down the field and in the red zone for Jawon Pass, and could be the team’s leader in touchdowns by season’s end, as long as he’s healthy and on the field.
Devonte Peete
Devonte Peete’s biggest role will likely be on special teams, but playing behind Seth Dawkins he’ll provide another big target who can make plays all over the field, including the red zone.
He’s coming off of a career-best 21 receptions and 250 yards and should be looking to build off of that as he carves out a bigger role in the offense under Satterfield. Much like Dawkins, Peete will provide a lot of leadership to the offense as a fifth-year senior, and gives Louisville experienced depth at a crucial position.
What’s the depth chart look like?
WR – Dez Fitzpatrick, Justin Marshall, Chris Taylor-Yamanoah
WR – Tutu Atwell, Thomas Jackson, Keon Wakefield
WR – Seth Dawkins, Devonte Peete, Tyler Harrell