Louisville football: Could QB of the future be in Cards’ back yard?

Could Scott Satterfield and Louisville football land their first top 50 player?

Don’t look now but Scott Satterfield and the Louisville football coaching staff are on pace to put together the best recruiting class in history of the program after an incredible start to the class of 2021.

With 20 players already committed months ahead of the early signing period and several targets holding on making a decision, the staff has been able to recently turn their attention to the class of 2022.

While we don’t know what sports are going to look like over the next six to 12 months, the staff is already in the process of evaluating players in the class, extending offers, and building strong relationships much like they did for the class of 2021.

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We learned very early on in Satterfield’s tenure that he and his staff were going to be intentional in rebuilding the relationships with high school coaches around the city and state that had been muffed by the former coaches – and that’s exactly what they did. Hosting high school coaching events and inviting local players to on campus went a long way in landing commitments from some the prominent players in the state of Kentucky, including Josh Minkins and Jordan Watkins.

Recruiting the city of Louisville and state of Kentucky are going to take time, especially with Mark Stoops and UK continuing to dominate locally, but the Cards will have the chance to land one of the most talented players in the state at one of the most important positions in the upcoming class.

Louisville football after top ’22 quarterback

Owenbsoro, KY product Gavin Wimsatt is a name that many local football fans are familiar with and the quarterback who likely is the top player on the board for the class of 2022.Following a monster sophomore season where Wimsatt threw for 2,075 yards and 25 touchdowns while running for another 471 yards and 11 TDs, he saw himself become the number one player in the state of Kentucky and a quarterback set to receive interest from the elite of the elite power five programs.

Regional schools like Louisville, Kentucky, Murray State, WKU, Cincinnati, and Eastern Kentucky were the first to get involved before West Virginia, Missouri and TCU became the first power programs from outside the Ohio Valley to extend offers. That list is only sure to grow following the release of the updated 247 Sports 2022 rankings, where Wimsatt jumped from unranked to the 37th spot nationally, becoming the second ranked dual-threat QB in the class in the process.

It’s only a matter of time before the big names schools come calling and that’s why having nearly all of the recruiting done for 2021 so early is such a big deal. While other schools deal with recruiting during the pandemic in the current class, the Cardinal staff will be able to devote a significant amount of time to recruiting Wimsatt and improving their chances of being able to win a big recruiting battle down the road.

Wimsatt is a near perfect fit for the Louisville offense thanks to his ability to throw the football at a high level and make plays on the ground with his legs. He also follows a similar trend from quarterbacks offered by the staff, including playing multiple sports and excelling in the class room.

247 Sports Recruiting writer Charles Power offered his analysis of Wimsatt’s game and what he’ll bring to his eventual college of choice, writing:

"“Has prototypical stature for the position and a well-proportioned build at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. Doubles as a standout on the basketball court and shows some above the rim ability on the hardwood. Transfers that athleticism over to the field and is a smooth and fluid mover both as a passer and a run threat. Has a natural, easy throwing motion with the ability to deliver from multiple arm slots and platforms. Shows the instincts and feet to feel and react to pressure within the pocket. Has a strong arm for this stage in his development and can generate velocity to drive the ball downfield and into tight windows. Presents one of the more dynamic rushing threats we’ve seen from a top quarterback early on in the 2022 cycle and has a long stride once in the open field. Played well in his sophomore season, leading his team to a deep playoff run while proving to be productive as a passer and runner. Will benefit from continued live reps and improving his turnover rate and overall efficiency. Has the look of a high ceiling type at quarterback within the 2022 cycle. Projects as a Power Five starter with the upside to develop into an early round NFL Draft pick.”"

Regardless of location, Wimsatt is one of the best players nationally in the class of 2022 and would continue the long-line of elite quarterbacks to commit to Louisville – joining Brian Brohm, Teddy Bridgewater, and Lamar Jackson.

Owensboro head football coach Jay Fallin talked to 247 Sports National Recruiting Write Steve Wiltfong earlier this year and he didn’t hold back praise for his quarterback, saying “He’s a special young man, Rocket for an arm, strongest I’ve ever been around, blazing-fast also.”

Wimsatt is the definition of a recruiting priority, and I expect Satterfield and company to pull out all the stops to pull out a victory for an in-state quarterback who could end up as a five-star recruit when it’s all said and done.