Louisville football’s highest-rated commit ever will join the Cards this season.
It’s a massive day for the Louisville football staff as its biggest recruit in school history will reportedly reclassify to the class of 2023 and join the Cardinals immediately.
TJ Capers — assessed a .9951 rating by 247Sports — will be the highest-rated signee in school history- higher than Michael Bush, Brian Brohm, Peanut Whitehead, and James Quick.
The news was first reported by Jody Demling. Capers is currently enrolled as a student at UofL.
After committing to the Cards on January 7th, Capers has been instrumental in helping assemble a solid 2024 class.
However, after completing his high school graduation requirements, the star edge rusher will be bringing his talents to Louisville football for the start of fall camp.
TJ Capers background
TJ Capers is a 6’2,” 230-pound junior from Columbus High School in Miami, Florida.
He is considered the second-best edge rusher and No. 3 overall defensive player in his class and was one of the best players in the country this year regardless of class.
“A front-seven defender that can do a little bit of everything,” wrote Andrew Ivins of 247Sports. “Looks college ready as a sophomore with a hulking frame that’s a verified 6-foot-2, 230 pounds. Has tested reasonably well for someone his size with a 4.6 in the 40 and a 4.5 short shuttle on record. A thumper that likes to run and hit. Excels in chase mode on Friday nights as he will hawk down ball carries or quarterbacks of all different sizes and drag them to the ground. Has spent first few years of prep career working as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 front.
Looks more than comfortable dropping back into space and has shown on the camp circuit that he’s rather serviceable in man-to-man situations as he will hand check and fight for positioning at the catch point. Can sniff out run plays and understands how to stack and shed better than most his age. Could probably be deployed as a Mike or Sam on Saturdays, but might also grow into a full-time pass rusher depending on how his body fills out over the next few years. Should be viewed as one of the top defensive prospects in South Florida for the 2024 cycle given early body of work after totaling 53 tackles and producing multiple turnovers as an 10th grader. Will need to keep progressing, but has some of the required traits to be a multi-year starter at the Power Five level.”
Capers was named to the Miami Dade All-County team as a sophomore and was named “Alpha Dog” by 247Sports at the Elite Underclassmen Showcase this season.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Louisville football QB room
Impact for Louisville football
The impact of Capers’ addition cannot be understated.
Capers is a college-ready prospect that is seen as a lock as a future NFL guy. He is a do-it-all front 7 player who can stand up at inside linebacker or slide to a hand-in-the-ground edge rusher.
Louisville football has been in desperate need of another linebacker on this roster, and Capers is a guy that can step in alongside fellow freshman Stanquan Clark to be one of the most fearsome duos in the ACC.
Capers has shown a propensity to get into opposing backfields, but he also has the speed and athleticism run with tight ends and inside receivers.
The addition of Capers solidifies the Louisville football defense as one of the three most talented in the ACC.
