Louisville football: Five true freshmen that could step into starting roles
By Dalton Pence
Additional Defensive Candidates
Ja’Darien Boykin – DE
Like Starks, Boykin failed to qualify coming out of high school, but eventually was able to enroll at the university this past January. He was the highest-rated recruit in the 2019 class, ranked as 318th-best prospect regardless of position. The four-star defensive end selected Louisville over Miami (FL), Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Washington State, etc.
Watch: Ja’Darien Boykin senior season highlight tape
More so than defensive back depth, Louisville needs pass rushing. Boykin does two things extremely well that the Cardinals need: his ability to get after the quarterback and stop the run at the line of scrimmage.
The 6-0, 250 pound DE uses a combination of strength and underrated speed to disrupt plays in the backfield and make tackles going east to west. Considering Louisville ranked in the bottom 50 in rushing yards allowed per game (112th) and 79th in passing yards allowed, there is ample opportunity for newcomers on the defensive line to compete for a starting position right away.
He’ll compete alongside Yaya Diaby, another newcomer competing for starting snaps, as well as former walk-on Danya Kinniard who played quite a bit last season – and there’s a good chance Boykin walks away as the day one starter who replaces Amonte Caban.
We’ve talked about it all summer long, but Louisville has to improve pass rushing and Boykin can help right away.