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
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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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 /

Redshirt freshman Seth Dawkins is another player on offense who could emerge as a threat this spring. At 6-foot-3, he’s a tall target for quarterback Lamar Jackson to connect with in the passing game. And he’s also got some return in the kick return game along with Samuel.

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Dawkins appeared in 10 games in 2016. He had 11 catches for 191 receiving yards and a touchdown. He caught a 13-yard touchdown pass in the first game of the season against the Charlotte 49ers. The longest pass he caught all season was a 53-yard pass, which shows some of his ability to be a deep threat. He also returned 14 kicks for 306 yards, averaging 21.9 yards per kick return.

Dawkins has come out of early spring practices as a player who continues to lead the receiving group.

With Jaylen Smith out, it certainly opens the door for a receiver to make a climb up the depth chart, as injuries are part of the game. Having depth and experience to offset things is good for the Cardinals’ College Football Playoff hopes in 2017.