Louisville Football: Breaking down Cardinals’ 2019 QB battle

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 03: Jawon Pass #4 of the Louisville Cardinals drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 03: Jawon Pass #4 of the Louisville Cardinals drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 24: Malik Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats on November 24, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 24: Malik Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats on November 24, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Malik Cunningham

Malik Cunningham is always one of the best athletes on the field whenever he is in the game. While he was mainly the backup last year, he got plenty of playing time and ended up leading the team in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He has the ability to take over a game with his legs and some of his plays will bring back flashes of Lamar Jackson.

Cunningham ended up rushing for right under 500 yards (497) on only 79 attempts in limited playing time. If he was the starter last year he would have had the opportunity to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark as a rusher.

The talented athlete also showed glimpses of his passing ability. He was 40-of-67 passing on the season and ended up with 473 yards to go with one touchdown and one interception. While he certainly did the majority of his damage on the ground, he has the ability to develop into a passer and did a nice job taking care of the football last year when he got his opportunities.

If Cunningham wins the job, the opposing defense will have to be prepared to defend him as a runner as well as a passer. Scott Satterfield will get the best out of Cunningham and will help him take the next step as a quarterback.

Below is a clip that shows the athleticism and running ability that Cunningham has as a quarterback.

Does Satterfield go with the elite-level athlete or stick with Jawon Pass?