Louisville football: 5 bold predictions for Cards vs. Pittsburgh

Alan Thomas: Jordan Watkins takes a kick to the house

Much of this week’s buzz around the locker room and in the media has centered around ways to improve on offense and defense. Even some special-teams details could be tweaked for improvement.

But if there was a bright spot you could point to and say ‘hey now, we might have something to build on here’, it is hinged on the legs of Louisville freshman Jordan Watkins. Last week against Miami, Watkins returned three kicks for 41 yards, and he almost broke one all the way loose.

Coach Scott Satterfield has immense faith in Watkins, saying in a press conference that “he will get more and more playing time” as the season progresses.

Satterfield had Watkins line up deep behind return specialist and running back Hassan Hall. For anyone not living under a rock last season, this speaks volumes about what Satterfield and staff see in the explosive freshman, whose upside is pregnant with potential.

Here’s a couple things about Watkins that most of us know: he’s lightning fast, he’s incredibly strong for his age and experience, and his footwork is next level. I spoke with his stepfather Austin Baker about the likelihood of Watkins eventually being able to turn the corner and take one up field for six.

“He’s going to break out for one soon,” Baker said.

I’m sure those that have followed Watkins’ athletic career to date have seen this song and dance before.

Though I think we will see an improved Louisville defense this week, Pittsburgh has averaged 38 points a game so far this season, making the odds of Watkins seeing more than a couple opportunities to break one loose pretty favorable. Rumble young man, rumble.