Big Red Louie
Fansided

Louisville football: 5 players standing to benefit from expanded roles in 2020

By Jacob Lane

LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 30: Corey Reed #2 of the Louisville Cardinals runs the ball during the game against the Murray State Racers at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 30: Corey Reed #2 of the Louisville Cardinals runs the ball during the game against the Murray State Racers at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 09: Tabarius Peterson #98 of the Louisville Cardinals sacks Eric Dungey #2 of the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome on November 9, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 09: Tabarius Peterson #98 of the Louisville Cardinals sacks Eric Dungey #2 of the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome on November 9, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Ja’Darien Boykin – DE

Freshman

Ja’Darien Boykin was the headliner in Satterfield’s first class, but due to some unforeseen off the field issues, he did not qualify.

Unlike many who choose to go the JUCO route or elsewhere, Boykin stuck things out with the Cardinals, thanks to a patient coaching staff.

Louisville left a lot to be desired in 2019 coming off the edge, particularly in the play from its down linemen. To make things more difficult, as mentioned the Cardinals lose Amonte Caban, Gary McCrae, Boosie Whitlow, and Ty Tyler from last year’s squad.

In Boykin, however, Louisville will have a defensive end who can come in right away and make a contribution.

Boykin is a physical freak who is not only athletically gifted but extremely fundamentally sound in all facets of his game. His speed off the line of scrimmage immediately stands out on tape, and he finishes tackles at a high level.

Louisville hasn’t had a player coming in on the defensive line like Boykin since the Strong era. And though there are always going to be growing pains for younger players, Boykin feels like the type of guy who can be exactly what the coaching staff wants and needs from the jump.

Louisville’s defense thrives in situations where they can send one or two smaller linebackers. With Boykin on the line, he is going to draw enough attention in 2020 that guys like Rodjay Burns, Monty Montgomery, and Yasir Abdullah will benefit from his presence.

Next. Four incoming freshmen who could play vital role in 2020. dark

Boykin is one of the biggest sleepers to be on the lookout for this offseason.

Home/Louisville Football