Louisville football: This stud running back could be the gem of Cards’ 2021 class

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 05: Javian Hawkins #10 of the Louisville football program runs the ball in the game against the Boston College Eagles at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 05: Javian Hawkins #10 of the Louisville football program runs the ball in the game against the Boston College Eagles at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Louisville football‘s 2021 class is beginning to take form, and the Cardinals will receive a visit from one of the best junior running backs in the country this spring.

Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Florida have offered one of the best running backs in the class of 2021, but it’s Louisville football who penciled in his first official visit.

4-star speedster Corey Kiner announced on Monday that he will take one of his five official visits to the University of Louisville on May 29th.

The 160th-ranked player in the 247Sports composite rankings, the 5’10,” 205-pound Kiner is a player that is on the radar of every big-name team in the country. But the Cincinnati, Ohio native knew that he had to lock in an OV to one of his favorite schools at the moment.

"“They made me a top priority since they offered me sophomore year,” Kiner told Josh Helmholdt of Rivals.com. “I am close with coach Norval (McKenzie) – I talk with him every day – but really, I like the whole coaching staff. When I go visit, I talk to all of them. We have whole conversations and it’s not about football. We even talk about video games, shoes and that kind of stuff.”"

That’s the type of endorsement we have come to expect from recruits regarding the Louisville football coaching staff, but not yet from a player as highly touted as Kiner.

Ranked as high as 117th nationally by Rivals, Kiner is a back that one could envision fitting perfectly in Scott Satterfield and offensive coordinator Dwayne Ledford’s offense.

My first thought when seeing Kiner’s tape was how remarkably similar he is to rising Louisville redshirt sophomore Javian Hawkins, who set the school’s single-season rushing record by a running back in 2019.

Hawkins could have the starting job locked down for however long he chooses to stay in college, but Kiner would be an incredibly effective replacement.

Kiner is the kind of back that only needs a glimmer of daylight, and he is gone. He is a terror to stop in the open field and nearly every one of his big runs in the result of his excellent balance in the open field.

Louisville showed a propensity in 2019 to be able to get running backs out in space, and Kiner definitely took notice.

"“I feel that coach Satt (Scott Satterfield) does a great job showcasing the running back and letting the running back be the centerpiece of the offense,” Kiner remarked. “He has had a 1,000-yard rusher the last few years and I feel that offense could thrive with me.”"

Satterfield has hinted at the fact that 2019 was only the beginning as far as Louisville’s offensive firepower is concerned. While Louisville had flashes of brilliance and multiple players set school records, the Cardinals also struggled against some bigger teams like Notre Dame, Clemson, Miami, and Kentucky to gain offensive momentum. However, as the Cardinals are starting to implement a much more complex offense in year two, players like Hawkins will continue to thrive, and more big-name guys like Kiner are going to keep taking notice.

As for Louisville’s chances with Kiner, you really have to like where the Cards stand.

Kiner is from the region, so he’d have the chance to get away from home for school but be within arms reach with an opportunity for friends and family to travel to games.

He has also taken three unofficial visits to the Cards dating back to early 2019 and says that the coaching staff has been speaking with him on a daily basis.

At this point, Louisville may just be the leader in the clubhouse with one of the final cracks at wow-ing him on his officials. Kiner will likely schedule the bulk of his officials prior to his trip to Louisville, and though those teams will have their shots, it’s extremely comforting to know that UofL made one of the strongest first impressions, and will have a legit chance to seal the deal.

Louisville football recruiting is taking off, and the class of 2021 may be one of the Cards’ best in years when things are all said and done.

Next. Louisville football: Three biggest story lines entering 2020. dark