Louisville Football: 5 incoming 2018 class signees who could start

Louisville football closed its 2018 recruiting class on a high note. Which 2018 signees could become starters for the Cardinals?

There’s going to be a new look and feel for the 2018 version of Louisville football. The Cardinals are losing some key pieces all around, such as former Heisman-winner Lamar Jackson, but there’s plenty of talent returning.

Bobby Petrino has Jawon Pass returning to start at quarterback and Jordan Travis is the only signee at the position in the 2018 class. The most important positions to fill are in the defensive backfield and there are a number of talented players coming in with the 2018 class who could fill those needs.

Which five 2018 class signees could start for Louisville?

Sure, the biggest loss on Louisville’s roster has been Lamar Jackson, but he has plenty of help over the years from his tight ends such as Charles Standberry. He is now graduating after posting 29 catches for 306 yards and four touchdowns during his senior campaign, leaving the spot open to either Micky Crum or Jordan Davis.

The two replacements combined for just 12 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown in 2017, which isn’t exactly ideal. They might just get a push from three-star JUCO transfer Nigel Kilby from Garden City C.C. in Kansas.

Kilby stands a towering 6-foot-8 and weighs in at 250 pounds. That frame alone will cause problems for defenders at the collegiate level. He’s not the fastest guy on the field but his route-running is solid and his athleticism is slightly better than expected for his size.

The Fort Wayne, Ind., native is ranked the No. 44 recruit at the JUCO level and the third-best tight end, according to 247Sports.