Louisville football’s Braden Smith stands out as a newcomer.
As Louisville football embarked on Coach Scott Satterfield’s second season on Saturday night, several players stood out on the offensive side of the ball.
The one in particular who caught the eyes of ACC voters in the Cards’ 35-21 victory over Western Kentucky was wide receiver Braden Smith.
Smith had a great start, connecting with Micale Cunningham on a 63-yard bomb for his first ever catch in a Louisville jersey. He would rip off another long reception of 48 yards just a bit later, and the Cards were off and running.
The sophomore has been on campus less than a year after transferring from JUCO-level Northwest Mississippi Community College. He had originally signed with Mississippi State in 2017, but wasn’t incredibly sought after out of junior college. He ultimately chose Louisville over Western Michigan, Louisiana, and Austin Peay- Yet another diamond in the rough for Satterfield and staff.
Smith finished with 4 catches for 110 yards, becoming only the second Louisville player to have 100+ receiving yards in his debut in the 21st century (Deion Branch, 123 yards, 2000 vs Kentucky).
Other than his speed, the 5’10”, 192-pound slot man’s ability to separate was on full display all game long. That’s an ode to his work ethic in the weight room during the preseason, which coaches have gushed about to this point.
The former high school quarterback out of Flowood, Mississippi currently sits at no. 7 in the nation in receiving yards and no. 9 in yards per reception. His quarterback, Cunningham, is ranked top 3 in yards per completion…much ado to Smith’s reception numbers.
Cunningham’s numbers were outstanding, but were bested as ACC Quarterback of the Week by Clemson Quarterback Trevor Lawrence by just a smidge. That’s still saying something.