Louisville football: Five true freshmen that could step into starting roles

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SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 09: Anthony Johnson #27 of the Louisville football program and Chandler Jones #2 react to Jones being called for pass interference during the third quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on November 9, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Jamel Starks – CB

Starks was originally a 2019 commit, but wasn’t able to be a Cardinal due to qualifications. After eventually meeting the requirements, he enrolled at Louisville this past January.

The defensive backfield has perhaps the least amount of depth out of any position, so the opportunity to play early is there. Outside of Chandler Jones, Marlon Character, and Anthony Johnson, the cornerback position is wide open.

The 5-foot-10, 187-pound Starks possesses a versatility that will allow him to play as either a cornerback or safety at the collegiate level. He’s an exceptional tackler on any level of the field, and he hits with a vengeance.

Watch: Jamel Starks’ senior season highlights

As a prospect, Starks ranked as the 757th-best player in the nation (2019 247Sports Composite), and the 47th-ranked athlete. He chose Louisville over NC State, Nebraska, West Virginia, and a handful of others.

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