Louisville football closing in on their first commitment of new recruiting cycle.
Outside of a few additions via the transfer portal late in 2020, recruiting has been quiet for Louisville football. So quiet that you probably didn’t even realize that Wednesday was National Signing Day for the class of 2021.
The Cards were fortunate to wrap up their recruiting in the class of 2021 earlier than most programs. They signed 21 players along with 3 transfers at the early signing period and after the season wrapped up. That’s allowed the staff to get a head start on the 2022 class, which will be crucial for Scott Satterfield.
Staff turnover has dominated the storylines for Louisville football, with the fans having plenty of questions about what’s going on. Recruiting has without question been impacted by the moves, and that’s why it’s great to see good news headed this way. Or at least so it appears.
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New prediction for Louisville football a positive sign
If you’re an avid recruiting follower you know that crystal ball projections typically are a positive sign. When recruiting analysts put in a prediction it’s almost always because they feel good enough with the info they have to make a call.
Boasting a 51/53 prediction accuracy, 247 Director of Football Recruiting Steve Wiltfong placed a projection for Louisville to land three-star quarterback, Khalib Johnson. That prediction came with the announcement that a commitment date was set by Johnson, with February 20th being the date.
Johnson is one of many quarter back’s that the Cards have turned the heat up on this winter. Ranked by 247Sports as the 490th best player nationally and the 15th best dual-threat QB, Johnson hails from Pinson, Al and holds offers from Kansas, Tulane, USF, Virginia Tech, and of course, Louisville. The junior quarterback was recently offered by Louisville and was the first official scholarship recipient of new coach, Pete Thomas.
What Khalib Johnson could bring to Louisville
It’s not hard to see why Thomas quickly fell in love with the game of Johnson. When you put on the tape, you see a quarterback who possesses a high level of athleticism and natural arm strength. He’s got a cannon for an arm and his offense at Clay-Chalkville High School, much like Louisville football, likes to push the ball downfield. Johnson shows the ability to throw deep and accurate passes. He also understands how to put the football in a place where only his receiver can possess it – a skill that is greatly appreciated.
He’s quick and shifty coming out of the backfield. And like current quarterback Malik Cunningham he’s also able to make guys miss and absorb hits. In an RPO type offense, Johnson’s tape shows the ability to beak tackles, hit holes, and find a way to get into the end zone.
Johnson just completed his first season as a starting quarterback so there’s still plenty of room to grow. He’s not yet to the level where you’d feel comfortable with him being a day one starter. He is a guy who could and should 100% develop into the guy at some point in his career.
With four-star quarterbacks Gavin Wimsatt (who recently included Louisville in his top 9) Sam Horn, and AJ Duffy still on the board, Johnson isn’t likely to be the only signal-caller in the class. However, his commitment would be a great starting point for an offense that needs depth in the QB room. Bad.
Check out our full interview with Louisville football quarterback coach Pete Thomas. He talks about recruiting and what you can expect from him as well as how he plans to help with turnovers and much more.
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