Louisville football: The rebuild and life after Lamar Jackson
Offense
The good news about this Louisville offense is that just about every position they were weak at last year returns plenty of production. They get every starting receiver back and four of the five starting linemen are returning. That means there should be plenty of improvement at two places that Louisville desperately needs it.
The bad news is where experience is lost. Louisville has to break in a new quarterback, running back, tight end and right guard. And starting that list off may be the most glaring hole. Lamar Jackson was the most electrifying player in college football for each of the last two seasons, and it’s never easy to replace someone like that.
Petrino does have a pretty good plan though. Jawon Pass, a former four-star recruit is entering his third year in the program. He’s learned under Petrino and Jackson, and he’s much more of the Petrino quarterback prototype. He’s strong, big, and a pass-first quarterback. He’s not nearly as likely to make plays with his feet, but he may be able to match Lamar’s passing production.
They’ll need it too because for the second straight year, the running back will be a new starter. Reggie Bonnafon is gone, and in his place, Collin Wilson and Dae Williams will need to step up. Neither has a ton of experience, but they’re both talented and have flashed potential in the past. With such an experienced offensive line, they should be able to pick up good yardage.
The receivers, after struggling so much last year, could be a strength this year. The best of the bunch, Jaylen Smith, leads a group that basically can’t get any worse. He was the only consistent one of the group last year, but his co-starters, Seth Dawkins and Dez Fitzpatrick did flash potential at times. If they can clean up the drops, this group will help Juwan Pass a ton.
The big hog-mollies
The most important part of this offense, above all this, is the talent up front. This line was awful last season, and it killed them against good lines. Their youth movement last year should pay off this year. Robbie Bell, Kenny Thomas, Lukayus McNeil and Mekhi Becton all return, and both Thomas and McNeil will provide valuable senior leadership.
The only question is at guard. The likely answer is sophomore Cole Bentley. Bentley didn’t play much last year but did the see field in seven different games in some capacity, so he’s not completely new. Senior tackle Linwood Foy may look to move inside as well.