Photo courtesy of Karthik Kalvakuri/Louisville athletics
Louisville football has seen an uptick in recruiting over the last few months.
With a solid, but small, 2022 high school class about to wrap up and a 2023 class that has the chance to become one of the best in school history, many wonder how the Cardinals’ staff might finish up. With a small high school class coming in, the coaching staff seems to be very selective in who they bring in fromthe high school ranks.
Worth noting, the staff also expect to bring in 11 or 12 transfers from the portal. When it comes to high school prospects, here a few names to watch for:
Rayshon Luke, 4-star RB
What would be a jewel of the class, Luke is a speedy back and one of the best in his nation coming out of powerhouse California program St. John Bosco. A small 5-foot-8 speed back, he would take a Trevion Cooley/Jawhar Jordan-type role in Scott Satterfield’s offense. An All-American bowl pick, Luke will make his commitment during the game on Jan. 8.
James Pearce, 4-star DE
A highly-touted edge rusher out of North Carolina, Pearce would strengthen a Louisville pass rush that needed help at times this past season. Pearce would be a nice addition to a defensive front line that has come under scrutiny for its small stature. Pairing Pearce with large nose tackle Tawfiq Thomas would be excellent additions to the line. It will however, be hard to beat out South Carolina and SEC foe Tennessee for Pearce’s services. If Louisville does gain Pearce’s commitment, mark it up as a huge recruiting coup for Coach Satterfield.
Jordan Allen, 3-star S
An excellent safety who has seen his recruitment blow open in recent weeks, Allen is one of the best in a deep Louisiana class. Coming in at 5-11 and 180 pounds, expect Allen to get a ranking bump up to a four-star before he steps on a campus. More than likely however, Louisville will get outmuscled for his commitment by LSU and new head coach Brian Kelly.
Chris Bell, 3-star WR
An underrated wide receiver out of Mississippi, Bell would be a good addition to a wide receivers room in need of replenishing. The Cardinals will have to deal with departures from several receivers. Currently with only about five receivers, expect Bell to be Louisville’s to lose. He may even commit within the next week or two.
Tay’shawn Trent, 3-star WR
A one-time Michigan commit, Trent is a taller receiver at 6-foot-4. Trent is good with his hands and would most certainly play on the outside. Louisville was considered the likely landing spot for Trent when he decommited from Michigan in October. Since then however, his recruitment has been pretty quiet.
Devaughn Mortimer, 4-star WR
Mortimer is a highly-ranked receiver out of Fort Lauderdale, who comes in at speedy 5-foot-9. Mortimer would be an excellent replacement for departing wide receiver Jordan Watkins to play in a role similar to former Louisville receiver Tutu Atwell. The only issue? Mortimer is already committed to instate power Florida State. Louisville will attempt to flip Mortimer from FSU. It might be a tall task to flip a Florida player from a Florida school.