Ranking the 25 most important players for Louisville football in 2019

Anytime an offensive lineman is mentioned in national award nominations and draft discussions, you pay attention – because there’s a damn good reason.

In Mekhi Becton’s case, there are a few.

First, we have read, listened, and seen professionals way above my pay grade talk about Mekhi’s makeup as a first-round draft pick. At 6’ 7’’- 375lbs, it’s easy to see why: the man is an absolute UNIT.

Becton’s talent and size come at a much, much needed time for the Louisville football program. The offensive line was and still is predominantly known as the area of most concern on Louisville’s team. But thankfully, Mekhi and the O-line have one massive silver lining for the 2019 season: offensive line Coach/Co-OC Dwayne Ledford.

I can almost but guarantee Mekhi will be a better player this year, if not from Ledford’s coaching alone – and a better Becton spells great things for Louisville when considering the run game is THE key to the success of Satterfield’s offense.

However – there’s a final point as to why Becton was the third player chosen on this list. Although the run game comes first, a successful passing game – along with an upright Jawon Pass, is just as crucial to Louisville’s 2019 success.

Last season, Becton anchored the left side of the line and did as good of a job as you could hope for. Though the team gave up over 40 sacks in one season, the majority of those came from blitzes (or pressures) up the middle or on the right side.

This season we will come to expect the same from Becton, but in hopes that the rest of the line can match at least his effort and intensity in hopes of keeping Pass off the ground.

Puma needs pass protection and help from his line establishing the running game to be successful – and Mekhi can help deliver.