We take our first look at what the quarterback depth chart could look like for Louisville football in 2020.
Louisville football’s entire 2019 season turned out far better than even the coaches and players likely expected, and much of that had to do with the flexibility and consistency in the Cardinals rotation at quarterback.
Jawon Pass began the year as the starter after an injury in fall practice put Micale Cunningham out for the season opener. However, Pass exited the second game of the season after putting Louisville ahead comfortably, and never returned due to a foot injury.
Cunningham took over in game three against Western Kentucky and truly never looked back as his game improved week over week. However, he had a ton of issues with injuries and illnesses that never allowed him to play a full game start to finish.
Enter true freshman Evan Conley. Option one, Pass, was out with what eventually turned into a season-ending injury. Option 1A, Cunningham, made tremendous improvements in his second year, but was hobbled by injuries. So, option 3, Conley, had to fill in- And he did so remarkably well.
Conley filled in against Western Kentucky, Florida State, Boston College, Wake Forest, Miami, and Kentucky, and ended up leading the Cardinals on game-winning drives against BC and Wake.
At a position with very little experienced depth and a ton of uncertainty, Louisville pulled a ton of rabbits out of hats and made the quarterback position a huge strength in 2019 regardless of who was in under center.
Due to the surprising outcomes in 2019, the expectations are ramped up in 2020.
Louisville returns Cunningham at the de facto starter and one of the most reliable returning starters in a power five conference. Pass would serve as an extremely talented back up option who most Cards fans would feel very comfortable with under center. Meanwhile, Conley returns to the fold for his sophomore campaign and true freshman Tee Webb comes in as the most anticipated freshman quarterback since Pass’s commitment.
Louisville’s quarterback situation is no longer a mystery and quarterbacks coach Frank Ponce and offensive coordinator Dwayne Ledford will have to be ready for defenses who will have Louisville circled on the calendar in year two.
Can the Cards take another step forward in 2020? That will certainly be the expectation both locally and nationally.
Let’s take a look at where each individual quarterback stand on the depth chart entering 2020.