Louisville Football: 5 breakout candidates for 2017 spring game

The Louisville Cardinals Spring Game is coming up this weekend on April 15. Here’s a look at five breakout candidates to watch during the game.

The Louisville Cardinals had a rough finish to their 2016 season after starting with a lot of promise. They were 9-1 at one point before dropping their final three games of the season, finishing with a 9-4 record.

With some new coaching changes and some shuffling at key positions, the Cardinals look to improve and finish a whole lot better. And that starts with a strong spring game from their up-and-coming players.

The Cardinals look to transition their offense to a more balanced style of play, relying more on Jackson’s arm and less on his legs next season. But it all starts up front, the offense has to replace three starters on the offensive line.

Louisville will also need to search for a power back that can take on a bulk of the carries in the run game. They’re rotating a few players at running back on offense. There are a few returning players out for the spring as well recovering from injury, namely running back Jeremy Smith and wide receiver Jaylen Smith.

Defensively, they move from defensive coordinator Todd Grantham to Peter Sirmon. Sirmon brings a more simplified defense to the Cardinals defense, who look to also improve in the ACC next spring.

Here are five players to keep an eye on this spring as their annual Spring Game approaches on April 15.