No. 2 – Micale Cunningham
He ranked No. 1 on our top 25 most important players of 2020, and every conversation during fall camp has seemed to involve Louisville quarterback Micale Cunningham.
For the first time since Lamar Jackson departed, Louisville football returns a legitimate solidified No. 1 at the quarterback position.
Cunningham has drawn praise from every coach and player who has spoken to the media. All-American receiver Tutu Atwell loves what Cunningham’s game is becoming. On Saturday, Atwell praised Cunningham’s ability to stay in the pocket. He said Cunningham is focused on extending plays but is always looking to pass as his first option- a sharp juxtaposition from his game during games in 2018 and early 2019.
That is a big deal for Louisville. Cunningham is a player that has some wheels and is apt to take off and scramble for big plays. However, he has spent much of his college career either sidelined or playing through injuries. He lost last year’s QB battle in fall camp after going down to injury, and never fully healed up until Louisville’s December bowl game.
If the Cardinals want Cunningham to get the team where it needs to go, it starts with his development in the pocket and knowing when and when not to run.
This summer, Cunningham’s father detailed why Louisville football and Micale are a “match made in heaven,” and discussed how Cunningham is a gamer and the perfect guy to help Satterfield and company to a successful season in 2020.
Related: Micale Cunningham and Louisville football “a match made in heaven”
Apparently his teammates and coaches tend to agree with his father’s assessment. If Cunningham continues to improve at this rate, Louisville football will be in great hands this season.