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Louisville football: The 25 most important players for 2020

By Presley Meyer

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 05: Javian Hawkins #10 of the Louisville Cardinals runs the ball in the game against the Boston College Eagles at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 05: Javian Hawkins #10 of the Louisville Cardinals runs the ball in the game against the Boston College Eagles at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 26: C.J. Avery #9 of the Louisville Cardinals reaches to recover a fumble by Joe Reed #2 of the Virginia Cavaliers on October 26, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 26: C.J. Avery #9 of the Louisville Cardinals reaches to recover a fumble by Joe Reed #2 of the Virginia Cavaliers on October 26, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 10: CJ Avery – Inside linebacker

Senior

  • 2019 stats: 93 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 6 PD, 1 FR
  • 2019 BRL ranking: 5th

One of Louisville football’s greatest strengths is at linebacker, and that all starts with Cardinals inside linebacker CJ Avery.

An impact player since he set foot on campus, Avery has played an increasingly vital role for the Cardinals as a hybrid do-it-all linebacker. Since the arrival of the new staff, Avery has been a fixture on the inside for the Cards.

After a strong 2019, Avery has added 10 more pounds to his frame and figures to once again be in the mix to lead the Cards in tackles.

Perhaps Avery’s greatest asset is how he can impact the game in a multitude of ways. He obviously has great instincts to be able to get downhill and finish tackles, but he is also great in space and in pass coverage.

Avery’s 6 passes defended were tied for second on the team last year, which is extremely impressive for an inside linebacker.

Fellow inside linebacker Dorian Etheridge and outside linebackers Rodjay Burns and Yasir Abdullah return to the fold as starters, which will only serve to benefit Avery in 2020.

Avery will look to finish his career off the right way and push towards 300 career tackles when all is said and done.

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