Louisville Football: 5 breakout candidates for 2017 spring game

Oct 24, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) hands the ball off to quarterback Reggie Bonnafon (7) during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated Boston College 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 6

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Derrius Guice (5) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half of the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

One name to look out for in the Louisville Cardinals spring game is C.J. Avery. Avery is a true freshman and early enrollee this spring, however, he’s been hard to keep off the field for defensive coaches.

He is a four-star safety recruit, according to 247Sports, ranked 221st nationally, 20th by position and sixth overall player out of the state of Mississippi. Avery chose to commit to the Cardinals over a few SEC schools and enrolled early. While he was recruited as a safety, Avery is being tried out by new defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon at the outside linebacker position.

Along with redshirt freshman Lamarques Thomas, Avery is getting first-team reps on the Cardinals defense this spring. He looks the most ready out of the four freshman early enrollees on campus already. The true freshman is adjusting quite nicely to the college game and making an impact on a defense looking for a new identity. With some losses on defense, the Louisville Cardinals are still searching for a new playmaker to fill the void.

Home/Louisville Cardinals