Way too early Louisville football depth chart preview: Pass catchers

Starter: Marshon Ford

RS junior

There were quite a few players for Louisville last season who made major jumps in their development, but none were more surprising than that of h-back Marshon Ford.

As I highlighted last week, Ford was one of six former walk-on’s who were awarded scholarships by the new Louisville football staff last season in part to his hard work and development during spring practice and fall camp.  That wasn’t enough for Ford, who would earn the starting h-back role, a position that would provide crucial edge blocking in the run game as well as provide another target in both the short and long passing game.

With incredible speed, power, and athleticism, Ford excelled and became a huge part of the offense and a player known for his violent blocking and scoring. Ford finished 2019 third on the team in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and second in touchdowns. while finishing the year with the most touchdown’s caught by a tight end in the ACC.

There should be a lot more of that in 2020 as Ford will continue to play in the h-back role alongside Javian Hawkins while likely getting more involved at the traditional tight end spot as others push for playing time behind him.

Ford has all the tools to become the ACC’s top tight end and an NFL Draft hopeful this season.

Backup: Duane Martin

Freshman

Louisville will welcome in two freshmen in 2020 at the h-back position, including Duane Martin and Desmond Daniels and while neither is likely to see a ton of playing time behind Ford, the former is a player more than capable of earning his way onto the field.

Martin may be one of the more unheralded players in the class of 2020 but thanks to his physicality and nonstop motor, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him develop into a favorite of the staff very quickly – especially after enrolling early.

Jody Demling wrote about Martin back during the early signing period and what he’ll bring to the field:

"“A bit of a genetic freak, Martin looks the part of a big-time player. In high school, he played some linebacker but had to be a running back and was a good one. He has really good hands and should transition into a nice tight end at the next level. He’s a big-time under-the-radar guy.”"

Martin could see time at tight end but with players like Isaac Martin and Tobias Little more of a fit due to their experience in the system it’s more likely he’ll play behind Ford at h-back.

His experience as a linebacker and running back should make him a unique weapon for Stu Holt and Scott Satterfield both short-term and long-term.