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Ranking the 25 most important players for Louisville football in 2019

By Alex Stengel

LOUISVILLE, KY - DECEMBER 05: Scott Satterfield the new head coach of football team at the University of Louisville talks to the media before the start od the Louisville Cardinals against the Central Arkansas Bears at KFC YUM! Center on December 5, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - DECEMBER 05: Scott Satterfield the new head coach of football team at the University of Louisville talks to the media before the start od the Louisville Cardinals against the Central Arkansas Bears at KFC YUM! Center on December 5, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Louisville football; uofl football; scott satterfield louisville football
TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 21: Running back Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles looks to run the ball by safety Dee Smith #11 of the Louisville Cardinals at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Speaking of grad transfers, Isaiah Hayes is arguably the most important of the five graduate transfers for the Cards going into 2019.

The loss of TreSean Smith at a safety position already lacking a safe amount of depth makes Hayes’ talent and experience at the position all the more important.

BRL’s Presley Meyer recently covered Hayes and his impact highlighting why he can be an instant impact player for the cards:

"‘With (TreSean) Smith out, a path is being paved for Hayes to become a key player from game one in Louisville, with the opportunity to cement himself into the starting lineup for the next two years. Coaches describe Hayes as an intelligent player with a great football IQ and skill set. He is a perfect fit for the new Louisville coaching staff because he likes to fly to the ball. In Arizona, the staff planned to use him at corner in a pinch, and he can cover over the top as well as he can get into the backfield and make a big hit. There’s nothing too flashy about Hayes’s game, but his gang tackling mentality will be a welcome sight for Louisville fans after a season where broken plays and poor tackling led to opposing teams running up the score repeatedly.’"

For a Louisville squad who finished 128 out of 130 D1 teams in opponents’ points per game – giving up a fun 44.1 to be exact, Isaiah Hayes is a welcomed addition who will see a lot of playing this season.

Hayes mised all of 2017 recovering from a shoulder injury and only played in three games in 2018, totaling 20 tackles and a forced fumble, so there should be some concern whether he’ll be able to remain healthy for a full season. Lousiville will need his aggressive play and hard hitting in the backfield as well as the leadership and experience he has to offer.

New safities coach ShaDon Brown is familar with Isiah Hayes’ game and what he will bring to the table, having coached against him in the Pac 12 at Colorado. It shouldn’t take long for him to get a hang of the new defense, one his should thrive in. There’s no doubt he’ll be a focal point this season.

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