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 /

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Sep 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Traveon Samuel (1) reacts to his touchdown against the Syracuse Orange during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. Louisville defeated Syracuse 62-28. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

As the Louisville Cardinals evolve on offense this spring, look for wide receiver Traveon Samuel to play a role. Samuel is a 5-foot-7, 170-pound speedy wideout with 36 career catches, 407 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in his career so far.

With wide receivers James Quick, Jamari Staples and tight end Cole Hikutini gone, the Cardinals look to replace their top three receiving targets from 2016. Wide receiver Jaylen Smith will also miss spring camp recovering from surgery.

The door is wide open for Samuel to jump up the depth chart this spring, but there’s plenty of competition around him. Samuel also has 23 kick returns for 511 return yards and a touchdown in his career as well. Samuel is a player, who despite his size, can make plays with the ball in his hands. He also had a 21-yard rushing yard touchdown last season against the Syracuse Orange. With experience on both special teams and offensively, look for Samuel to make some noise this spring.

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