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Louisville Football: 5 position battles to watch during 2017 spring game

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) huddle up against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) huddle up against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Seth Dawkins (5) celebrates with wide receiver Reggie Bonnafon (7) after scoring a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second quarter at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Seth Dawkins (5) celebrates with wide receiver Reggie Bonnafon (7) after scoring a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second quarter at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Wide Receivers

With Jaylen Smith out this spring recovering from surgery, it gives others players a chance to step up and shine. With receivers Jamari Staples and James Quick gone, the Louisville Cardinals will need some other players to step up this spring.

One player to watch is redshirt freshman Seth Dawkins. Dawkins caught 11 passes for 191 receiving yards and a touchdown last season in a reserve role. He also returned 14 kick returns for 306 kick return yards. With a bulk of the receiving production gone from a season ago, Dawkins will be looked upon to fill the void. At 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, he’s sure to be fun to watch with more reps with Lamar Jackson at quarterback.

Another receiver to look out for this spring is speedster Traveon Samuel. Samuel had 18 catches for 230 receiving yards and a touchdown at the receiver spot this past season. He also had eight carries for 54 rushing yards and a touchdown. Samuel stands at 5-foot-7 but has shown the ability to make plays in open space. As the Cardinals look to become a balanced team, Samuel is sure to be a useful weapon in the offense.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson is going to spend a lot more time this season taking snaps from under center. So he’ll need more reliable targets to throw to this season. Other receivers to look out for are Devonte Peete, Javonte Bagley and Dez Fitzpatrick.

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