Louisville football: 10 predictions for the Cards in 2020
1. As many as four freshmen are full-time starters by seasons end
Jacob Lane
It didn’t take long to fall in love with Scott Satterfield and the entire new Louisville football coaching staff, both on and off the field. On the field, they quickly proved they could bring a high-octane offense to the ACC while playing much faster on defense – all to the tune of eight wins.
Off the field, the coaching staff destroyed the recruiting trail, landing multiple immediate impact players in the class of 2020 who should see the field sooner rather than later. We saw the holes that the Louisville roster had last season, especially on the offensive line and defensive side of the ball. The staff is hoping that the 24 players committed will not only bring a strong future and high ceiling with them but immediate playmaking ability – even in the midst of a pandemic.
The offseason for the freshmen and newcomers has been one they’ll remember for quite some time due to the pandemic, but one that has kept them from being able to spend time around the coaching staff, facilities, and each other. While there have been virtual tools used that will help them when things get going for fall camp (whenever that it is), but it’s expected they’ll all be behind (at last a slight bit).
That doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to compete for starting spots or prominent backup role right away, but it does make it more likely that they’ll fall behind veterans. That would give younger players time to learn, watch, and compete for more time in practice which could be a multi-week process.
That’s why I believe this season you’ll see as many as four or five freshmen (or JUCO transfer) eventually earn full time starting roles by seasons end. While that may not seem like THAT big of a deal, it sort of is. This will be Satterfield and company’s first “true” recruiting class, meaning that in their second season the roster will begin to take on more of his identity.
A few guys to watch early on are going Lovie Jenkins and Greedy Vance, two players who should see the field quite a bit in a secondary that needs depth help, as well as offensive lineman Luke Kandra, who received a ton of praise this past year as a late riser, receiver Christian Fitzpatrick, who is in a very unique spot, and defensive lineman Henry Bryant.
Jenkins may have the best opportunity to win a starting role right away as defensive coordinator Bryan Brown will be looking to replace starting safety Khane Pass. He’ll compete with veterans Isaiah Hayes and Jack Fagot, in a battle that should go down to the wire. Vance will compete with Anthony Johnson (or Marlon Character) and fellow newcomers Jamel Starks, Kei’Trel Clark (assuming he receives a transfer waiver), and Marqui Lowery.
Let’s also not forget about special teams where we could see a freshman returner in Jordan Watkins, a freshman kicker in Brock Travelstead, and maybe even a walk-on transfer at punter in Ryan Harwell.
Regardless of the who, Louisville football’s ceiling can continue to grow should Satterfield’s first big recruiting be as good as advertised.