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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Nov 5, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals line backer Stacy Thomas (32) recovers a fumble while pursued by Boston College Eagles wide receiver Charlie Callinan (83) during the first quarter at Boston College at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Stacy Thomas is one Louisville Cardinals defender who had a big year in 2016. After playing a reserve role in 2015, he made 11 starts at the middle linebacker spot for the Cardinals defense a season ago. He made an impact when placed on the field and this spring is being looked upon to do a whole lot more.

Thomas recorded 85 total tackles (49 solo, 36 assisted), 7.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and an interception last season. He was the team’s third-leading tackler in 2016, racking up 21 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss despite losing the last two games of the season to Kentucky and LSU.

Thomas returns looking to lead the Louisville defense into a special season, but it starts with a strong spring. With a new defensive coordinator and position coach in Cort Dennison, look for Thomas to emerge as a player with a successful transition under a new system.

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