The first spring game in the Jeff Brohm era has proven to be a smashing success for Louisville football, and that’s only partially due to the actual product on the field.
The Louisville football staff hosted a number of transfer and high school official visitors on campus this past weekend, and despite the rainy conditions, have used this weekend’s recruiting momentum to garner a whopping TEN commitments between Friday and the writing of this article.
Four are for the class of ’24 high school commitments and the other six were transfer prospects.
Here is a quick breakdown of the four high school commits the staff has landed in the past week:
(Prospects listed by order of commitment)
Ransom McDermott – Offensive Tackle, Noblesville (IN)
A 6’7, 300lb tackle from the Indianapolis area… where have we seen this one before?
While Ransom McDermott isn’t quite the prospect that Luke Burgess was from this previous class, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about landing the mountainous three-star tackle prospect from one of Brohm’s favorite recruiting grounds.
As his size would suggest, McDermott’s best traits stem from his high-level physical tools. He has long arms (reportedly 36-inch arm length, which would rank third amongst offensive line prospects at this year’s NFL Combine) which he uses effectively to lock out defenders in pass protection. He is quick and aggressive coming off the snap when run blocking, and has no problem driving his opponents backward, often into the turf.
McDermott has some athletic limitations and will have to develop his technique in pass protection, but don’t be surprised to see McDermott develop into a starting-caliber player given time to develop at the next level.
Jimmy Williams III – Offensive Tackle, American Heritage (FL)
Rated as a three-star by 247 but not yet ranked on all platforms, 6’4, 290lb Florida native Jimmy Williams III will not be an unknown commodity for long.
Williams plays against strong competition at Miami-area, American Heritage High School, which itself is a program with a pedigree of producing highly touted recruits. Williams primarily plays right tackle for the Patriots, but he has the body type and athletic profile to fit at multiple spots on the line.
His technique, play strength, and comfort in his pass sets will need some growth, but his athleticism gives him a ton of upside as a plus starter at the next level. He is a tenacious blocker who is nearly impossible to detach from once his hands are set and he works hard to drive defenders off the ball.
Williams moves very well in space and is able to climb to the next level to pave the way for the ball carrier. He is an excellent versatile piece to add to the offensive trenches.
Shaun Boykins Jr. – Wide Receiver, North Hardin (KY)
Ranked as the top player in the state of Kentucky by 247, Shaun Boykins Jr. becomes Brohm’s first in-state commitment for the class of ’24.
At 6’1 and 190 lbs, Boykins has a college-ready frame and body type for the position. He is a solid athlete with dangerous long speed who was a do-it-all weapon for North Hardin. He can be deployed in a variety of ways for the Louisville offense and provide value early in his career while still refining his skills as a true receiver.
Boykins’ athleticism gives Cardinal fans plenty to be excited about, as he has the potential to be a high-ceiling, hometown hero style of player the fans have been hoping for.
Be on the lookout for my breakdown of the ever-growing list of transfers the staff has landed since the spring game in the coming days.
Dylan Mesman – Tight End, Saline (MI)
Louisville football got a massive win on Friday with the addition of Saline, MI tight end Dylan Mesman.
Brohm and staff went into a tough recruiting area and grabbed a guy at a position of need who chose Louisville over finalists Michigan State, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Kentucky.
At 6’5″, 230 lbs, Mesman ranks as high as the No. 15 tight end in the class.
Mesman is a traditional all-around tight end who can play in line with above-average receiving ability.
His is a good athlete, not a lot of twitch in his game but the effort is top tier. Dual-sport athlete and his basketball background shows up in his ability to box out and secure catches above the rim.
He excels in contested catch situations. Fights HARD as a blocker and can be employed from a variety of alignments and motions.
Mesman is a legit asset to the run game. Above average at everything, with no necessary elite trait.
He will be an excellent complimentary piece to Jamari Johnson.
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