Louisville football: 5 prospects you need to know for 2021

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CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 03: G.G. Robinson #94 of the Louisville Cardinals tries to stop Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers as he runs for a touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Travion Ford – Defensive end

Saint Louis, MO, four-star

With Jordan Dingle and Dekel Crowdus as the top offensive targets on the big board for the class of 2021, four-star pass-rusher Travion Ford sits atop the wish list on the other side of the ball. You may even make the argument that Ford is the most important target for the Cards, considering the continued need for defensive playmakers.

Rated by 247 Sports as the 5th best weakside defensive end, number two player in the state Missouri, and the 94th best prospect in the entire class of 2021, Ford instantly has become the highest-ranked player the Cards have pursued since the staff arrived in December in 2018. A commitment from Ford, who holds offers from over 25-plus power five programs including Alabama, Ohio State, could be a game-changer for the way top prospects look at Louisville in the future.

While you may question the chances Louisville has with a prospect being pursued by the likes of Alabama and Ohio State, the Cardinals have done a great job of positioning themselves with Ford early on in his recruitment process. Ford has already visited the Louisville campus on three different occasions for unofficial visits including the recent junior day event.

Louisville needs all the talent they can get as Bryan Brown continues to put his stamp on the defense, and adding a player the caliber of Ford would certainly help push the defensive rebuild timeline up.

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