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Louisville Football: Three Cards make Pro Football Focus' All-American Team
There were two Louisville football players that were named to one of the All-American teams by Pro Football Focus this season.
The Louisville football team had a solid season that will end with the Cardinals taking on the LSU Tigers in the Citrus Bowl at the end of December. Sophomore quarterback Lamar Jackson leads all Cardinals in possible awards about to be won this month, but that doesn’t mean he is the only one worthy an award.
Pro Football Focus does a ton of analysis of both pro and college football throughout the year. Not to mention, they have become majorly respected over the course of time as well.
That means having three Cardinals added to one of their All-American teams is a big deal.
Here are the three Louisville football players that made the cut:
Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John
1st Team Quarterback: Lamar Jackson
“It was a close call in the end between Jackson and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, and were we looking at a quarterback’s ability as a passer alone, Mayfield would be the easy choice. That doesn’t cover the type of player Jackson is though, and his ability to extend plays and electrify crowds with his ability as a runner is something we haven’t seen since Michael Vick’s days at Virginia Tech. Jackson rushed for 1,793 yards, forcing 46 missed tackles and scoring 21 touchdowns, with a PFF rushing grade of 97.9. As a passer he was at his best when pressure didn’t get to him, with 26 touchdowns and five interceptions on the 300 drop-backs where he was kept clean. A truly remarkable season as a dynamic playmaker, Jackson carried the Louisville offense for much of the year.”
Next: Linebacker: Stacy Thomas
Oct 14, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Stacy Thomas (32) celebrates with his teammates after a defensive stop against the Duke Blue Devils during the second quarter at Papa John
1st Team Linebacker: Stacy Thomas
That’s right, Thomas was the highest-rated Louisville linebacker at the end of the 2016 regular season. That may come as a surprise to most of you, since James Hearns had such a great season, but it was Thomas that came through the most.
“You’d be forgiven for thinking that Lamar Jackson was the only player on the Louisville roster, but linebacker Thomas had a PFF grade of 90.4 this year, earning his spot as a first-team All-American.”
The even better news for Cardinals fans is that Thomas should be returning for one more season under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. With Devonte Fields and Keith Kelsey graduating, this will give Louisville another experienced linebacker for their College Football Playoff chase in 2017.
Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals cornerback Jaire Alexander (10) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass as Virginia Cavaliers running back Albert Reid (2) chases in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. The Cardinals won 32-25. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Team Cornerback: Jaire Alexander
This was Louisville’s second sophomore that was honored with becoming a Pro Football Focus All-American this season. As only a second year player, he was rated as one of the best cover corners in all of college football.
The good news for Cardinals fans is that they have him in the secondary for at least one more season, if not two. Alexander is one special football player and Todd Grantham is very lucky to have him on his defense for the years to come.
When you add in Alexander’s ability to return punts as well, you get one heck of a future NFL prospect.
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