Louisville’s receiving core is as elite as we always thought they could be
Going into this season, there was a lot about this team that wed didn’t know. Who would be the starting quarterback? Could the defense improve? Who was going to be the guy that asserts himself as the lead running back? Is there a tight end?
One thing wasn’t a question was the abundance of talent at wideout. Tutu Atwell, Seth Dawkins, and Dez Fitzpatrick being on the same offense should have always been dynamic. But finally, we are seeing that come to fruition.
Fitzpatrick and Dawkins started out slow this season, but as Gunter Brewer reminded us after the Boston College game, “good things come to those who wait.”. Tutu has had it rolling since the opening kickoff against Notre Dame, but now looks like one of the nation’s top slot receivers thanks to the coverage being applied to the outside receivers
On Saturday against Wake, all three receivers mentioned got into the endzone and combined for 15 receptions, 278 yards, and four touchdowns. Not only did they come up big time and time again through the air, but you saw them contributing at an elite level in run blocking and coming up with game-saving plays on special teams.
On the final onside kick, Tutu Atwell said he heard the official say Louisville football but "I still wanted to be like, let me just hold on to it.” Just in case....
— Jody Demling (@jdemling) October 13, 2019
Dez Fitzpatrick is who really stood out on Saturday night catching five passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Cardinals to victory. It seems like no matter who is under center, these receivers are as comfortable as ever. Dez is already leaving his mark on the University of Louisville football program in a historic sense.
Dez Fitzpatrick with three consecutive 100-yard receiving games. First U of L WR to do that since DeVante Parker in 2014. @dezfitz8 pic.twitter.com/OvcwzfgZQx
— Jody Demling (@jdemling) October 13, 2019
Whether it’s Evan Conley or Micale Cunningham (or both) going forward, there should be no doubt that most weeks when Louisville’s offense takes the field that the receivers will have an advantage in some sort or fashion.
For the record of Louisville football in year one, that fact bodes well.