Louisville football vs WKU: 4 opposing players to watch

5 of 5

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 9: Jahcour Pearson #7 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers catches a pass and runs it in for a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 9, 2019 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Jahcour Pearson, WR

Like Louisville’s Tutu Atwell, Pearson is a bit undersized for his position, but that didn’t slow him down in 2019.

At 5’9”, 195 lbs, the senior caught 76 passes for 804 yards, which was good enough for 7th in C-USA. He averaged 10.4 yards per catch, with a long of 69.

Though undersized, Pearson has great speed that he utilizes to breakaway from opposing corners and to make people miss in the open field. Louisville did a good job last season of keeping Pearson in front of them, although he finished with five receptions for 35 yards.

Much like Jacob Lane wrote in his preview of Western Kentucky, Louisville will have to make sure that they are focused on their coverage – with Marlon Character or Anthony Johnson most likely to cover Pearson in the slot. Look for a lot of screens, misdirections, and other plays focused on utilizing Pearson’s speed and getting him open into space.

Louisville’s secondary will be figuring out ways to minimize his speed in the open field, and also not giving up the long ball. Tackling will also be a massive deal.

Next. Game-by-game predictions for Louisville football in 2020. dark

One thing is for sure; Louisville football is going to get a solid test on Saturday night.

Home/Louisville Cardinals News