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Louisville Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

By Ryan McNeill

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 05: Jaylen Smith #9 of Louisville evades a tackle by Kamrin Moore #5 of Boston College during the third quarter of a game at Alumni Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 05: Jaylen Smith #9 of Louisville evades a tackle by Kamrin Moore #5 of Boston College during the third quarter of a game at Alumni Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Yeah, I know it may seem weird to have a special teams player here, but Jaire Alexander could have a big season for Lousville, and I’m not the only one who thinks that.

Last season, Alexander averaged 10.5 yards each punt return and 14.0 yards on each kick return. When you have an electric quarterback, all you need from special teams is a player who will get some solid yards and not turn the ball over. Alexander checks both of those boxes.

Something worth watching with Alexander is if he can move from a special team standout to a player who can become one of the elite defensive backs in college football. Last season he had five interceptions and 39 tackles.

If Alexander can flirt with double digits in interceptions he could become the kind of defensive back the NFL is looking for. He has the potential to be one of the top cornerbacks in the ACC in 2017 and is already gracing preseason award watch lists.

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