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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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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – SEPTEMBER 22: Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers throws a pass as Ryan Nelson #54 blocks Tabarius Peterson #98 of the Louisville Cardinals in the first half during a game at Scott Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – SEPTEMBER 22: Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers throws a pass as Ryan Nelson #54 blocks Tabarius Peterson #98 of the Louisville Cardinals in the first half during a game at Scott Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

No. 18: Tabarius Peterson – Defensive end

Redshirt Senior

  • 2019 stats: 24 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss
  • 2019 BRL Ranking: Not ranked 

Every season, there are a couple of players for Louisville football that I feel just go under the radar and are often overlooked by the fan base and local media. These players often come in and make some sort of immediate impact, and based on the sheer number of bodies on a football team, ultimately end up being taken for granted.

For Louisville, this season, one of those guys is Tabarius Peterson. For one reason or another, Peterson is just a name that doesn’t get a lot of love despite his contributions during his time as a Cardinal.

Hot: Game-by-game predictions for the Cardinals in 2020

As with others on the defensive line in 2020, Louisville can ill afford an off-year from Peterson. After a solid breakout season during his sophomore year where he recorded 49 tackles and two sacks, he regressed quite a bit stat-wise in year one under Bryan Brown and Cort Dennison.

The good news in 2020 is that Peterson has a bit of help along the front seven. However, the pressure is on a bit for him to step up and lead by example on the field this year.

Louisville desperately needs to establish a pass rush this season in order to work congruently with the secondary. Otherwise, a repeat of last season could be in the works.

That starts with the leadership of the experienced players on the defensive side of the ball, and Peterson could be one of the pieces to get the ball rolling in the right direction.

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