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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 – SEPTEMBER 02: Tu Tu Atwell #1 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 02, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – SEPTEMBER 02: Tu Tu Atwell #1 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 02, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Tutu Atwell – Wide receiver

Junior

What is there that cannot be said about Louisville’s rising junior star receiver Tutu Atwell?

The former high school QB took about half a season to adjust to life as a college wide receiver during his true freshman season, and then in his sophomore season, broke out as one of the best play-makers on the team.

Atwell is 160 pounds soaking wet, yet you can count on one hand the number of players more electric in college football.

Last season, Atwell was used in every conceivable aspect of the game- from skill position players, at least- and was a major reason the Louisville offense was so electric.

Now, Atwell enters te season in the national spotlight. He has been named to a number of preseason award watch-lists and is pegged as a potential first-round pick heading into 2020.

Related: Atwell ranked as fringe first-round NFL draft choice

There is plenty of firepower to go around on the Louisville offense, but a lot of what made the Cardinals successful last season came from having the most electric player on the field at all times.

Last year, Louisville used Atwell primarily in the short-to-intermediate passing game early on before really opening things up as the season progressed.

If there’s one thing to anticipate from the Cards in 2020, it may be working in the deep ball to Atwell a bit more. He thrives in situations where he can buy a little time, lull the defender to sleep, and then put on the jets to get an easy two or three steps of separation. Look for Atwell to put up massive numbers in 2020.

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