Quincy Riley and Ashton Gillotte 's return to Louisvi lle football for another year brought excitement to Cardinals fans ahead of the 2024 season.
The two were the team's best defensive players last year and instantly made the 2024 defense better by sticking around . Offensively, there’s plenty of questions, but wide receiver Caullin Lacy has generated a lot of attention after an outstanding final season at South Alabama. He’s projected to be a Cardinals starter this fall but has high expectations to meet.
In contrast, there were some initial concerns about Texas Tech transfer quarterback Tyler Shough coming to Louisville after three injury-riddled seasons. But he got through the spring without any hiccups and eased some worry with his performance in the spring football game April 19.
Those four will continue to be in the spotlight for Louisville heading into the season as U of L looks to take another step in Jeff Brohm’s second year . But what about the under-the-radar players who haven’t generated as much attention lately?
Here are five dark horse players who could have strong seasons for Louisville this year:
A healthy M.J. Griffin and Devin Neal are projected to be the Cardinals’ starting safeties, but D'Angelo Hutchinson can be a difference-maker as a reserve in the secondary, providing depth at a position that’s lacking in it. Despite only having five tackles and playing 72 defensive snaps in six games, he had the ninth-best coverage grade (64.4) on the team and played 23 snaps at slot cornerback.
Mason Reiger may not have garnered as much attention as fellow lineman Gillotte last year, but the Illinois native held his own and contributed to the defensive line’s success. As an edge rusher, Reiger played on both sides of the line and totaled 22 tackles, six for loss, with four quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. He also had the third-best defensive grade on the team (80.1) behind Riley and Gillotte, respectively. Another year in defensive coordinator Ron English’s 4-2-5 system will do Reiger a world of good.
Jadon Thompson’s Louisville debut was spoiled by an injury that kept him out of the first two games of the season and seemed to have limited him in the 12 he played. He was only targeted 21 times and caught 12 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown, averaging 11.3 yards per catch. With Louisville looking to have a more explosive offense this season, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Thompson, now healthy, can be a threat on the outside as one of the team's taller receivers.
Maurice Turner was the third piece to Louisville’s rushing attack last year behind Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo, both of whom are now in the NFL . As the most experienced returner, Turner’s workload is sure to increase, and he’s poised for the challenge. Despite his reps being limited in 2023, Turner utilized his speed and quick reflexes to total 298 yards and his first collegiate touchdown on 62 carries. Of the 298 yards, he picked up 104 going up the middle. And over half of his yards (192) were accumulated after contact. While newer players adjust, Turner will have opportunities to deliver in the backfield.
Add Antonio Watts to the list of contributors to Louisville’s loaded defense. Questions at linebacker in 2023 didn’t last long with TJ Quinn leading the team in tackles. But Watts was the most efficient tackler, grading at 90.3 in the category, which ranked 15 th nationally. He finished the season with 30 tackles, including six behind the line of scrimmage. Although Watts is projected to be a reserve this fall, expect him to take another step in his development and play an even bigger role on defense.
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville football has its share of stars. Here are 5 dark horse players who might dazzle
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