Feb. 4, 2015 Press Conference 
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LOUISVILLE, Ky.-The 2015 University of Louisville recruiting class produced signees from coast to coast as the Cardinals inked signees from nine different states. Head coach Bobby Petrino signed one of his best recruiting classes in his tenure at Louisville.
In total, Louisville announced 25 signees Wednesday, the first day of the college football letter of intent signing period. The class is comprised of 17 high school athletes, seven junior college transfers, and one transfer encompassing 10 different positions and an athlete.
Once again, the state of Florida produced the most signees for the Cardinals with seven, followed by Alabama with six and Georgia with four student-athletes. The Cardinals signed two players from Mississippi, and also signed student-athletes from the states of North Carolina, Maryland, California, Louisiana and Texas.
The sixth signing class under Petrino featured six wide receivers, the highest total of any position group. In addition, the Cardinals also added four offensive linemen and three linebackers and three defensive linemen. With the graduation of three starting offensive linemen and a number of senior wide receivers, Petrino put a priority on those two positions.
For the first time in the Petrino era, the Cardinals added eight signees in January. Cornerback Jaire Alexander (Charlotte, N.C.), defensive tackle Drew Bailey (Jacksonville, Fla.), wide receivers Paul Harris (Fort Washington, Md.), Traveon Samuel (Phenix City, Ala.) and Jamari Staples (Lineville, Ala.), tight end Cole Hikutini (San Francisco, Calif.), running back Jeremy Smith (Hammo nd, La.) and offensive lineman Khalil Hunter (Orlando, Fla.) are in school and working out with the Cardinals during the winter conditioning program.
Because of the loss of a number of wide receivers, Petrino addressed that position in a big way with the signing of three wide receivers, who stand larger than 6-foot-3. 6-foot-6 wide receiver Devante Peete (Pompano Beach, Fla.), was one of the top receivers in Florida after leading St. Thomas Aquinas to a state title.
Emonee Spence, a 6-foot-3 wideout from Pembroke Pines, Fla, is a four-star prospect and 6-foot-4 wide receiver Jaylen Smith (Pascagoula, Miss.) also helps bolster the position.
The offensive line was a major priority and was addressed with four additions to the class. Geron Christian (Ocala, Fla.), the brother of former tight end Gerald Christian, was a big addition. Chandler Jones (Powder Springs, Ga.) and Kenny Thomas (Prattville, Ala.) joined Hunter, who enrolled in January.
The Cardinals added some strength to the defensive line with the addition of defensive ends Devonte Fields (Fort Worth, Texas) and G.G. Robinson (Lilburn, Ga.). Fields was rated as one of the top junior-college players in the nation and Robinson spurned offers from Auburn and Florida to sign with the Cardinals. He ended his senior campaign with 7.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss.
Two talented linebackers added depth to the defense with the signing of two Alabama natives in Tim Bonner (Demopolis, Ala.) and Amonte Caban (Smiths, Ala.). Bonner totaled 84 tackles last season and Caban closed his senior with 140 stops and 16.0 tackles for loss. Jonathan Greenard, an outside linebacker from Hiram, Ga., totaled 7.0 sacks last season.
The Cardinals bolstered the quarterback position with the signing of four-star standout Lamar Jackson (Boynton Beach, Fla.), who threw for 1,293 yards and 20 scores, while rushing for 1,039 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Besides Smith, who enrolled in January, the Cardinals added another running back in James Allen (Citra, Fla.), who was named the Marion County Player of the Year. With the loss of four players in the secondary, the Cardinals signed a pair of defensive backs in Khane Pass (Columbus, Ga.) and Dee Smith (Florence, Ala.).
Trey Smith (Madison, Miss.) is a versatile athletes, who recorded 1,473 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns, while catching 39 passes for 491 yards and seven scores.
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Cl. | Hometown (Previous School) | Video |
| Jaire Alexander | CB | 6-0 | 180 | Fr. | Charlotte, N.C. (Rocky River) | Highlights |
| Drew Bailey | DT | 6-4 | 285 | So. | Poplarville, Miss. (Pearl River CC) | Highlights |
| Paul Harris | WR | 6-3 | 205 | So.. | Upper Marlboro, MD (Iowa Western CC) | Highlights |
| Cole Hikutini | TE | 6-5 | 240 | Jr. | San Francisco, Calif. (City College of San Francisco) | Highlights |
| Khalil Hunter | OL | 6-4 | 300 | Jr. | Thatcher, Ariz. (Eastern Arizona JC) | Highlights |
| Traveon Samuel | WR | 5-7 | 175 | Fr. | Phenix City, Ala. (Central) | Highlights |
| Jeremy Smith | RB | 6-2 | 225 | Jr. | Hammond, La. (Fresno City CC) | Highlights |
| Jamari Staples | WR | 6-4 | 195 | Jr. | Hometown (UAB) | Highlights |
| James Allen | RB | 5-11 | 180 | Fr. | Citra, Fla. (North Marion) | Highlights |
| Tim Bonner | DE | 6-5 | 211 | Fr. | Demopolis, Ala. (Demopolis) | Highlights |
| Amonte Carban | LB | 6-1 | 216 | Fr. | Smiths, Ala. (Smiths Station) | Highlights |
| Geron Christian | OL | 6-4 | 305 | Fr. | Ocala, Fla. (Trinity Catholic) | Highlights |
| Devonte Fields | DE | 6-4 | 245 | Jr. | Fort Worth, Texas (Trinity Valley (TCU)) | Highlights |
| Jonathan Greenard | DE | 6-4 | 220 | Fr. | Hiram, Ga. (Hiram) | Highlights |
| Lamar Jackson | QB | 6-2 | 185 | Fr. | Boynton Beach, Fla. (Boynton Beach) | Highlights |
| Chander Jones | OL | 6-3 | 304 | Fr. | Powder Springs, Ga. (McEachern) | Highlights |
| Kioloa Mahoni | OL | 6-4 | 300 | Jr. | Woodside, Calif. (San Mateo) | Highlights |
| Khane Pass | DB | 6-1 | 195 | Fr. | Columbus, Ga. (Carver) | Highlights |
| Devante Peete | WR | 6-6 | 200 | Fr. | Pompano Beach, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas) | Highlights |
| G.G. Robinson | DE/TE | 6-4 | 268 | Fr. | Lilburn, Ga. (Parkview) | Highlights |
| Dee Smith | SAF | 6-1 | 200 | Fr. | Florence, Ala. (Florence) | Highlights |
| Jaylen Smith | WR | 6-4 | 188 | Fr. | Pascagoula, Miss. (Pascagoula) | Highlights |
| Trey Smith | ATH | 5-11 | 194 | Fr. | Madison, Miss. (Madison Central) | Highlights |
| Emonee Smith | WR | 6-3 | 194 | Fr. | Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Flanagan) | Highlights |
| Kenny Thomas | OL | 6-6 | 320 | Fr. | Prattville, Ala. (Prattville) | Highlights |
Jaire Alexander  |
| CB - 6-0, 180 - Fr. - Charlotte, N.C. (Rocky River) |
| No. 99 cornerback (247sports.com)
No. 31 player in North Carolina (247sports.com)
No. 90 cornerback (Scout.com)
No. 5 player in North Carolina (Scout.com)
No. 69 cornerback (ESPN.com)
No. 31 player in North Carolina (ESPN.com)
No. 67 cornerback (Rivals.com)
No. 22 player in North Carolina (Rivals.com)
Rocky River High School
Enrolled at UofL in January and is currently participating in winter workouts... attended Rocky River High School in Charlotte, N.C. and played for Jason Fowler... 3-star prospect by Rivals and Scout.com... tabbed by Scout.com as the fifth-best player in the state of North Carolina and the 22nd by Rivals... rated the 69th-best cornerback in the country by ESPN.com... rated the No. 67 cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com and the No. 24 player overall in his state... registered 30 tackles, four interceptions and 10 pass breakups in 12 games during his senior season... also played wide receiver, catching 68 passes for 1,123 yards and 18 touchdowns... selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, competing on the North Carolina squad... born 2/9/97... chose Louisville over South Carolina, Kansas State, Marshall, Connecticut, Temple, Toledo and Ball State... son of Tawanda and Earl Alexander. |
Drew Bailey  |
| DT - 6-4, 285 - So. - Poplarville, Miss. (Pearl River CC) |
| No. 63 JUCO prospect (247sports.com)
No. 7 JUCO defensive end (247sports.com)
No. 23 JUCO prospect in Mississippi (247sports.com)
No. 11 JUCO defensive end (ESPN.com)
No. 84 JUCO prospect (Rivals.com)
Before Louisville
Enrolled at UofL in January and is currently participating in winter workouts... attended Pearl River Community College... played for head coach William Jones... 3-star prospect by Rivals and Scout.com... finished the year with 22 tackles... was rated as one of the top among Mississippi defensive linemen with 10 sacks... totaled a career-high 2.0 sacks against Jones Community College and Southwest Mississippi Community College... received offers from Fresno St., Georgia State, UL-Lafayette, Louisville, Maryland, Middle Tennessee, NC State, Purdue and Southern Mississippi... born 11/15/92. |
| Paul Harris |
| WR - 6-3, 205 - So. - Upper Marlboro, MD (Iowa Western CC) |
| No. 55 JUCO prospect (Rivals.com)
No. 75 JUCO prospect (Scout.com)
No. 73 JUCO prospect (247sports.com)
No. 9 JUCO wide receiver (247sports.com)
No. 1 JUCO player in Iowa (247sports.com)
Before Louisville
Enrolled at UofL in January and is currently participating in winter workouts... attended Iowa Western Community College after playing one season at Tennessee, where he appeared in five games... redshirted at Iowa Western Community College... 4-star prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 39 overall wide receiver... was a consensus Maryland All-State selection in 2012 after totaling 32 receptions for 732 yards and 11 touchdowns to help lead Frederick Douglass to a second-consecutive Class 2A state runner-up finish as a senior... played for J.C. Pinkney at Fredrick Douglass High School... enrolleed in January at the University of Tennessee in 2013... Rivals: 4-star (No. 39 overall WR, No. 7 prospect from Maryland)... ranked as 3-star (No. 99 overall WR) by Scout.com and a 3-star (No. 18 prospect from Maryland) by ESPN.com... consensus Maryland All-State selection in 2012... kicked a game-winning, 26-yard field goal to give the Eagles a playoff victory over Patuxent... had 39 receptions for 735 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior... named to the 2012 Washington Post All-Met First Team... participated in the 2012 Chesapeake Bowl... invited to "The Opening," an all-star prospect camp... began his prep career at DeMatha Catholic High School where he played two seasons for Bill McGregor. |
| Cole Hikutini |
| TE - 6-5, 240 - Jr. - San Francisco, Calif. (City College of San Francisco) |
| No. 4 JUCO tight end (ESPN.com)
Before Louisville
Enrolled at UofL in January and is currently participating in winter workouts... originally signed at Sacramento State... has two years of eligibility remaining... redshirted as a true freshman in 2012, but made a big impact in 2013... played in nine games and started the final four at tight end...was a favorite target in the red zone where five of his 21 receptions were for touchdowns...scored his first collegiate touchdown with a 13-yard reception against Northern Colorado...had a season-long 26-yard touchdown catch at North Dakota...found the end zone twice against Montana and caught the game-winning touchdown at Portland State...had a season high five receptions against Montana for 42 yards...caught three passes for 51 yards at UND for his season best... played one season at City College of San Francisco, catching 40 passes for 658 yards and four touchdowns... 2012 graduate of Pleasant Grove HS in Elk Grove, Calif...earned second team all-Delta River League honors as a defensive back as a senior...caught 27 passes for 536 yards and six touchdowns...highest yardage output came against Lincoln (Stockton) where he amassed 143 yards and a touchdown...averaged 19.85 yards per reception...helped the Eagles to a 12-2 overall record and a berth in the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. I title game. |
| Khalil Hunter |
| OL - 6-4, 300 - Jr. - Thatcher, Ariz. (Eastern Arizona JC) |
| No. 58 JUCO prospect (Rivals.com)
No. 83 JUCO prospect (Scout.com)
NO. 15 JUCO offensive tackle (ESPN.com)
No. 78 JUCO prospect (247sports.com)
NO. 13 JUCO offensive tackle (247sports.com)
No. 3 JUCO player in Arizona (247sports.com)
Before Louisville
Enrolled at UofL in January and is currently participating in winter workouts... has two years of eligibility remaining... ranked by Rivals.com as the 58th-best junior-college prospect and the 83rd by Scout.com... fills a huge need for the Cardinals upfront, who will graduate three starters on the offensive line this season... an athletic, big body... ranked as the No. 3 prospect in Arizona... was named a second team junior-college All-American after playing at Eastern Arizona Junior College... chose Louisville over offers from South Florida, Georgia, Cincinnati, Memphis, Mississippi State, Purdue and Illinois. |
| Traveon Samuel |
| WR - 5-7, 175 - Fr. - Phenix City, Ala. (Central) |
| No. 9 athlete (247sports.com)
No. 14 player in Alabama (247sports.com)
No. 74 running back (Scout.com)
No. 30 player in the South (Scout.com)
No. 6 player in Alabama (Scout.com)
No. 20 wide receiver (Rivals.com)
No. 25 player in Alabama (Rivals.com)
Central High School
Played for Jamey Dubose at Central High School... appeared in 10 games during his senior year... accounted for 1,764 all-purpose yards... rushed 111 times for 861 yards and 11 scores, while catching 39 passes for 553 yards and three touchdowns... racked up 781 rushing yards, 452 receiving yards and 24 total touchdowns during his junior season... totaled 823 yards on the ground and 19 touchdowns, while catching 43 passes for 734 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore... named the top running back at the MVP Camp in Valdosta, Ga... totaled 2,050 all-purpose yards, including 484 in the return game as a sophomore... Son of Tyesa Wilson-Bass and Robert Wilson... born 3/28/97. |
| Jeremy Smith |
| RB - 6-2, 225 - Jr. - Hammond, La. (Fresno City CC) |
| No. 6 JUCO running back (ESPN.com)
No. 65 JUCO prospect (247sports.com)
No. 6 JUCO running back (247sports.com)
No. 11 JUCO player in California (247sports.com)
Before Louisville
Enrolled at UofL in January and is currently participating in winter workouts... signed with the Cardinals after one season at Fresno City Community College... ran for 1,735 yards and 17 touchdowns... averaged 157.7 yards per game last year at Fresno City Community College... carried the ball 36 times for 375 yards and five touchdowns versus the College of the Sequoias... scored the first two touchdowns of the game... led all rushers with 167 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in a win over Chabot... attended Hammond (La.) Magnet School before heading to Fresno City for one season.... had one of the best games of the season nationally with 31 carries for 447 yards and seven touchdowns against Pearl River High as a junior... was named a first-team all-district defensive end, linebacker, running back and kick returner as a senior... carried 59 times for 418 yards and six touchdowns on offense... played at Hammond High... rushed for 447 yards and seven touchdowns against Pearl River High as a junior in 2012... received offers from Southern Mississippi, Vanderbilt and Colorado. |
| Jamari Staples |
| WR - 6-4, 195 - Jr. - Lineville, Ala. (UAB) |
| Before Louisville
Enrolled at Louisville in January after UAB shut down its football program... played two seasons for the Blazers... caught nine passes for 190 yards and a score in 2014... played in 10 games, starting eight of those ... missed contests vs. Middle Tennessee and Marshall due to injury... finished season second on the team in receptions with 31 ... had 458 receiving yards to average impressive 14.8 yards per catch ... notched four receiving touchdowns ... had a season-long reception of 45 yards against East Carolina ... had a 42-yard catch in opener at Troy ... notched a 33-yard catch at LSU ... in collegiate debut at Troy, he had six catches for season-high 103 yards with a touchdown ... equaled season-best six receptions in victory at FIU ... registered receiving touchdowns in four of first five games ... recorded five catches for 78 yards at East Carolina ... went without a reception in only one game (Rice) that he played... attended Central High School ... played on both sides of the ball at Central... was named a Class 4A first-team all-state selection by Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA)... listed as No. 47 prospect in Alabama by Rivals... named to Anniston Star All-Area squad... registered 574 receiving yards and three touchdowns... on the defensive side, he recorded 41 tackles and four interceptions... played for Clay County High School up until senior year when Clay merged with Lineville into one school.. born 9/10/94 at Ashland, Ala. ... chose Louisville over Auburn... son of Ametrice Burney (deceased) and Henry Staples. |
| James Allen |
| RB - 5-11, 180 - Fr. - Citra, Fla. (North Marion) |
| No. 26 running back (247sports.com)
No. 35 player in Florida (247sports.com)
No. 57 running back (ESPN.com)
No. 92 player in Florida (ESPN.com)
No. 66 running back (Scout.com)
No. 27 running back in the South (Scout.com)
No. 8 running back in Florida (Scout.com)
No. 59 running back (Rivals.com)
No. 95 player in Florida (Rivals.com)
North Marion High School
Played for head coach Stephen Field at Norh Marion High School... three-star prospect ranked as the nation's No. 42 running back and the No. 69 recruit in Florida in the 2015 class by 247Sports.com Composite Rankings... owns a nice combination of size and speed... named the Marion County Player of the Year... finished his scholastic career with 3,498 yards and 37 total touchdowns... totaled 32 rushing scores... averaged 8.2 yards per carry for his career... totaled 116.6 yards per game for his career... recorded 426 total carries for his career... rushed for 1,650 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior... averaged 9.7 yards per carry... totaled 10 100-yard rushing games... has proven he belongs on the field after a breakout season at North Marion as a sophomore when he led the county in rushing with 1,000-plus yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore... ended his junior season with 845 yards and eight touchdowns... rushed for 178 yards and a touchdown versus West Port... selected to play in the All-American Bowl... scored on a 24-yard run in that contest... selected as one of the top 88 players in the nation and an All-American... chosen to the The Florida All-State Class 5A team by newspaper editors and reporters... received offers from Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and Tennessee... born 7/1/95... son of James Allen. |
| James Allen |
| RB - 5-11, 180 - Fr. - Citra, Fla. (North Marion) |
| No. 26 running back (247sports.com)
No. 35 player in Florida (247sports.com)
No. 57 running back (ESPN.com)
No. 92 player in Florida (ESPN.com)
No. 66 running back (Scout.com)
No. 27 running back in the South (Scout.com)
No. 8 running back in Florida (Scout.com)
No. 59 running back (Rivals.com)
No. 95 player in Florida (Rivals.com)
North Marion High School
Played for head coach Stephen Field at Norh Marion High School... three-star prospect ranked as the nation's No. 42 running back and the No. 69 recruit in Florida in the 2015 class by 247Sports.com Composite Rankings... owns a nice combination of size and speed... named the Marion County Player of the Year... finished his scholastic career with 3,498 yards and 37 total touchdowns... totaled 32 rushing scores... averaged 8.2 yards per carry for his career... totaled 116.6 yards per game for his career... recorded 426 total carries for his career... rushed for 1,650 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior... averaged 9.7 yards per carry... totaled 10 100-yard rushing games... has proven he belongs on the field after a breakout season at North Marion as a sophomore when he led the county in rushing with 1,000-plus yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore... ended his junior season with 845 yards and eight touchdowns... rushed for 178 yards and a touchdown versus West Port... selected to play in the All-American Bowl... scored on a 24-yard run in that contest... selected as one of the top 88 players in the nation and an All-American... chosen to the The Florida All-State Class 5A team by newspaper editors and reporters... received offers from Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and Tennessee... born 7/1/95... son of James Allen. |
| Tim Bonner |
| DE - 6-5, 211 - Fr. - Demopolis, Ala. (Demopolis) |
| No. 34 defensive end (Rivals.com)
No. 27 player in Alabama (Rivals.com)
No. 76 defensive end (ESPN.com)
No. 28 player in Alabama (ESPN.com)
No. 48 defensive end (247sports.com)
No. 35 player in Alabama (247sports.com)
Demopolis High School
Played for Tom Causey at Demopolis High School... played outside linebacker at Demopolis... selected All-State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association... named a 5-A West Alabama All-Star.. received the Anthony Robinson Player of the Year Award from the ESPN 104.9 Coaches Show... led the Tigers with 84 total tackles including 31 for loss and nine sacks... named to the Super 11 team ... received offers from Mississippi State and Kentucky... born 12/7/95... son of Willie Bonner. |
| Amonte Caban |
| LB - 6-1, 216 - Fr. - Smiths, Ala. (Smiths Station) |
| No. 9 inside linebacker (247sports.com)
No. 8 player in Alabama (247sports.com)
No. 15 inside linebacker (ESPN.com)
No. 19 player in Alabama (ESPN.com)
No. 12 inside linebacker (Scout.com)
No. 1 inside linebacker in Alabama (Scout.com)
No. 18 inside linebacker (Rivals.com)
No. 18 player in Alabama (Rivals.com)
Smiths Station High School
Played for head coach Mark Rose at Smiths Station High School... rated a four-star inside linebacker on 247Sports.com and a three-star prospect on Rivals, Scout and ESPN's recruiting sites.. big, physical linebacker with good speed and a knack for laying big hits on opposing players... ranked as the No. 8 player in Alabama by 247sports.com... rated as the No. 19 player in Alabama by ESPN.com and No. 18 by Rivals.com... named a Opelika-Auburn News Super 8 Senior... registered 140 tackles and 16.0 tackles for loss as a senior... Rivals.com ranks him as the nation's 13th best inside linebacker... rated at No. 12 on AL.com's A-List of the state's top 15 prospects in the Class of 2015... credited with 124 tackles in 12 games, including 11 for loss and three sacks... rushed for 226 yards and scored eight touchdowns as a running back during his junior campaign... didn't start playing football until the seventh grade... received offers from Mississippi State, South Carolina, Clemson, Tennessee and Kentucky... born 10/296... son of Barbra Caban. |
| Geron Christian |
| OL - 6-4, 305 - Fr. - Ocala, Fla. (Trinity Catholic) |
| No. 48 offensive tackle (Scout.com)
No. 7 offensive tackle in Florida (Scout.com)
No. 53 offensive tackle (ESPN.com)
No. 81 player in Florida (ESPN.com)
No. 45 offensive tackle (247sports.com)
No. 92 player in Florida (247sports.com)
Trinity Catholic High School
Played for John Brantley at Trinity Catholic High School... ranked as a 3-star prospect... rated the No. 45 offensive guard prospect by 247Sports... diamond in the rough with an intriguing upside after playing basketball growing up and only playing football for two seasons... rated as the No. 7 offensive tackle in Florida by Scout.com and the No. 81 player in Florida... named to the 3A all-state team... was a Star-Banner all-county first teamer as a sophomore at Forest and second-teamer as a junior at West Port as a basketball standout... played tight end as a freshman at Forest and offensive line as junior at WPHS... former Miami commitment... transferred from Westport High School where he averaged a double-double on the basketball court with a 14 points per game and 13 rebounds per game average... averaged 12.9 points per game and 7.4 rebounds as a sophomore on the hardwood... received offers from Miami, Arkansas, East Carolina, FAU, Mississippi State, UCF, Middle Tennessee State... brother of former tight end Gerald Christian, who played two seasons with the Cardinals (2013-14)... born 9/10/96...son of Mary Ann Brown and Gerald Christian, Sr. |
| Devonte Fields |
| DE - 6-4, 245 - Fr. - Fort Worth, Texas (Trinity Valley (TCU)) |
| Before Louisville
Attended Trinity Valley Community College last season... played for Brad Smiley... rated as the No. 2 JUCO recruit in the country... appeared in 12 games... totaled 61 tackles and 6.5 sacks in one season at Trinity Valley... also forced a pair of fumbles... started collegiate career at TCU... played three games at TCU before suffering an injury in 2013... had two tackles for loss, both at Texas Tech, among his four stops on the season... selected as the AP Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2012... voted by conference coaches as the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year... landed on both of the first teams for All-Big 12 and AP All-Big 12... consensus Freshman All-American and named the Defensive Freshman of the Year by CollegeFootballNews.com... started all 13 games... posted 53 tackles, including 34 solo stops... led the team with 18.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks... was first in the Big 12 at 1.42 tackles for loss per game and third in the league with 0.77 sacks per game... his 10 sacks tied for the fourth-most in a season in TCU history and were the most by a freshman ... forced two fumbles and recovered another ... posted an interception of Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein ... took part in a sack in the first seven games of the season ... recorded a tackle for loss in 11 of the 13 contests ... had a huge impact in his TCU debut, making five tackles, three of which were for loss, and a sack versus Grambling State ... contributed a half sack in the win at Kansas ... made four tackles, including three solo in the win over Virginia ... also had a sack and forced fumble in the game ... posted a season-best seven tackles in the win at SMU, which also featured season bests in tackles for loss (four) and sacks (2.5) ... made six stops (two solo) against Iowa State and chipped in a tackle for loss and half sack ... all five of his tackles in the win at Baylor were solo stops and two were for loss ... added a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery at Baylor ... made four tackles against Texas Tech, 2.5 of which were behind the line of scrimmage with 1.5 sacks ... had four tackles (all solo) at Oklahoma State ... recorded half of a tackle for loss in the win at West Virginia as part of four stops ... posted three solo tackles (one for loss) against Kansas State and intercepted a pass on KSU's first possession ... made four solo tackles in the Thanksgiving night win at Texas and two of them were for loss ... also posted his biggest sack of the season, an 11-yard loss ... made two tackles in the regular-season finale against Oklahoma ... recorded another 11-yard sack and a pass break-up in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl versus Michigan State... rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and the No. 171 prospect in the nation at Arlington Martin High School... ranked as the No. 12 defensive end in the country... the No. 22 prospect in the Rivals.com Texas Top 100 and the No. 3 defensive end in Texas... participated in the Under Armour All-America Game... received second team ESPN High School All-America honors... tabbed the District 4-5A Defensive Player of the Year... named to the Associated Press 5A All-State team... totaled 73 tackles and 13 sacks while intercepting two passes his senior year... collected six sacks and 66 tackles during his junior campaign.. Son of Monica Fields. |
| Jonathan Greenard |
| DE - 6-4, 220 - Fr. - Hiram, Ga. (Hiram) |
| No. 83 outside linebacker (247sports.com)
No. 110 player in Georgia (247sports.com)
No. 75 defensive end (ESPN.com)
No. 96 player in Georgia (ESPN.com)
No. 78 outside linebacker (Scout.com)
No. 10 outside linebacker in Georgia (Scout.com)
Hiram High School
Played for head coach Chris Brown at Hiram High School... ranked as a 3-star recruit by 247Sports.com, which rates him the No. 83 outside linebacker nationally and the No. 110 prospect overall in Georgia... was the Varsity Football Player of the Game three times... has the size and athleticism to play outside linebacker in Louisville's 3-4 defense... was tabbed the 5-AAAAA Region Defensive Player of the Year... recorded 43 tackles and 7.0 sacks as a senior... caught 11 passes for 249 yards and five touchdowns at the tight end position... named to the 5-AAAAA all-region squad... voted to the Georgia 5-A Class all-state team as an honorable mention... had a 7-yard TD catch in a 35-7 loss to Allatoona... totaled 41 tackles and 1.5 sacks during his junior season... caught 12 passes for 274 yards and five touchdowns during his scholastic career... standout on the hardwood with the Hiram basketball team... chose Louisville over offers from Kentucky, Middle Tennessee and South Alabama. |
| Lamar Jackson |
| QB - 6-2, 225 - Fr. - Boynton Beach, Fla. (Boynton Beach) |
| No. 15 quarterback (Rivals.com)
No. 53 player in Florida (Rivals.com)
No. 30 quarterback (Scout.com)
No. 4 quarterback in Florida (Scout.com)
No. 17 quarterback (ESPN.com)
No. 80 player in Florida (ESPN.com)
No. 8 dual-threat quarterback (247sports.com)
No. 31 player in Florida (247sports.com)
Boynton Beach High School
Played for Rick Swain at Boynton Beach High School... 4-star prospect in the state of Florida... rated the nation's No. 8 dual-threat quarterback and the No. 31 player in Florida, according to 247Sports.com... rated as the No. 30 player at his position nationally and No. 8 in the South Region by Scout.com... rated the Sun Sentinel's No. 5 prospect in Palm Beach County... was named to the Class 6A Florida All-State first team as a utility player... capped off his standout high school football career by winning Palm Beach County's top honor after being named the Lou Groza Awards High School Player of the Year during a banquet at the Kravis Center... became the first Boynton Beach player to win the award, which has been handed out annually since 1992... team finished 9-2 and advanced to the Class 6A regional quarterfinals... was also named to the Sun Sentinel's preseason Super 11... rushed for 237 yards on 14 carries as part of a team high 606 rushing yards to lead Boynton Beach to a 64-29 victory over Lake Worth... scored on a diving 6-yard touchdown run with six seconds to play to win a 63-58 District 15-6A shootout... delivered passing for 346 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for 146 yards and five touchdowns for Boynton Beach... played for the South squad in the 60th Annual Florida Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Classic in Orlando... finished the 2014 season with 1,293 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, and 1,039 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns... passed for 1,740 yards and 25 touchdowns and ran for 1,401 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior... passed for seven touchdowns, including run for four in two games of the season... chose Louisville over Florida State, Auburn, South Carolina, Ohio State, Nebraska, West Virginia, Georgia and UCF... born 1/7/97. |
| Chandler Jones |
| OL - 6-3, 304 - Fr. - Powder Springs, Ga. (McEachern) |
| No. 64 guard (247sports.com)
No. 92 player in Georgia (247sports.com)
No. 68 guard (ESPN.com)
No. 103 player in Georgia (ESPN.com)
No. 75 guard (Scout.com)
No. 10 guard in Georgia (Scout.com)
No. 48 guard (Rivals.com)
No. 71 player in Georgia (Rivals.com)
McEachern High School
Played for Kyle Hockman at McEachern High School... attended the same school as current UofL redshirt freshman Henry Famurewa... two-year starter on the offensive line... rated the No. 64 offensive guard in the country by 247Sports.com and the No. 92 player in Georgia... rated as the No. 71 guard by 247sports.com and the No. 68 guard by ESPN.com... ranked the No.10 guard in Georgia by Scout.com... 3-star recruit by all the major recruiting outlets... named to the all-region team for 4-AAAAAA, as voted by the league's coaches... selected to the second team all-county team by the Marietta Daily Journal... chose Louisville over offers from Syracuse, Cincinnati, Middle Tennessee State, Georgia State, Marshall and Massachusetts... born 5/30/97... son of Rudy and Jewell Jones. |
| Kioloa Mahoni |
| OL - 6-4, 300 - Jr. - Woodside, Calif. (San Mateo) |
| No. 71 guard (247sports.com)
No. 115 player in Georgia (247sports.com)
No. 68 guard (ESPN.com)
No. 103 player in Georgia (ESPN.com)
No. 75 guard (Scout.com)
No. 10 guard in Georgia (Scout.com)
No. 48 guard (Rivals.com)
No. 71 player in Georgia (Rivals.com)
Before Louisville
Played two seasons for head coach Brett Pollack at San Mateo Community College...starter on the offensive line... played left tackle as a freshman at San Mateo... his versatilitiy is a big bonus for the Cardinals... has three years of eligibility left... played one season with current defensive tackle Pio Vatuvei... defeated Laney College to win the Bothman Bulldog Bowl to finish 9-2 on the season...earned All-Bay 6 Conference honors at offensive line... played offensive and defensive line at Woodside High School in Woodside, Calif... was a promising prospect out of Woodside High School... chose Louisville over offers from Cincinnati, Mississippi State and UNLV. |
| Khane Pass |
| DB - 6-1, 195 - Fr. - Columbus, Ga. (Carver) |
| No. 81 safety (Scout.com)
No. 9 safety in Georgia (Scout.com)
No. 31 safety (ESPN.com)
No. 48 player in Georgia (ESPN.com)
No. 29 safety (247sports.com)
No. 48 player in Georgia (247sports.com)
Carver High School
Played for Joseph Kegler at Carver High School... all-around athlete who can lock down on defense and return kicks... a big hitter at the safety position who is also capable of helping in coverage... has good speed and he can cover a lot of ground in a hurry... rated the No. 29 safety nationally by both 247Sports and Rivals.com... ranked the No. 48 prospect in Georgia, according to 247, and No. 51, according to Rivals... ranked as a three-star recruit by all the major recruiting outlets... recorded 55 tackles, nine pass breakups and two interceptions as a junior... credited with 36 tackles, with interceptions and nine pass breakups as a senior... two-time first-team All-Bi-City selection in 2013 and 2014... also a standout guard on the basketball team... picked Louisville over Texas A&M, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Mississippi State and Nebraska... Son of Kershena Thomas... born 9/22/96... son of Kerhena Pass. |
| Devante Peete |
| WR - 6-6, 200 - Fr. - Pompano Beach, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas) |
| No. 29 wide receiver (Rivals.com)
No. 40 player in Florida (Rivals.com)
No. 26 wide receiver (ESPN.com)
No. 213 player in the country (ESPN.com)
No. 26 wide receiver (ESPN.com)
No. xxx wide receiver in Florida (Scout.com)
No. 29 wide receiver (Scout.com)
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Played for Rocco Casullo at St. Thomas Aquinas... owns a combination of height and speed... has good body control and shields defenders well, and strong hands to bring in the football... not afraid to go over the middle... played both wide receiver and tight end.. was a member of the area's most talented receiving corps, which helped the Raiders win their eighth state championship in school history... rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and is the No. 29 wide receiver in the class of 2015... rated as the No. 40 recruit in Florida this season... was a Rivals250 member... was the No. 139 recruit in the nation as a junior... 247 sports rates him a 3-star recruit... ranked as the 43rd-best wide receiver prospect and the No. 52 player in the state of Florida... ranked by ESPN.com as the No. 213 senior overall in the country and the No. 26 wide receiver... totaled 21 receptions for 388 yards and five scores in his senior campaign... named honorable mention All-County by the Sun-Sentinel... recorded 122 yards and two touchdowns versus Plantation... caught 17 passes for 387 yards and five touchdowns during his junior season... chose Louisville over offers from Florida, Florida State, Miami, Auburn, Clemson, LSU, Ohio State, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, North Carolina and Alabama... born 10/2/95. |
| G.G. Robinson |
| DE/TE - 6-4, 268 - Fr. - Lilburn, Ga. (Parkview) |
| No. 56 tight end (Scout.com)
No. 4 tight end in Georgia (Scout.com)
No. 67 defensive end (ESPN.com)
No. 92 player in Georgia (ESPN.com)
No. 36 tight end (247sports.com)
No. 116 player in Georgia (247sports.com)
Parkview High School
Played for head coach Eric Godfree at Parkview High School... rated as a 3-star prospect by the major recruiting services... was a highly-coveted recruit as both a defensive lineman and a tight end... ranked as the No. 56 tight end in the country by Scout.com, the No. 67 defensive end by ESPN.com, and the No. 36 tight end by 247Sports.com... listed by ESPN.com as the No. 92 recruit from Georgia... tallied 48 total tackles, including 18.5 for a loss, and notched 7.5 sacks from his defensive end position during his senior season... forced three fumbles and blocked a pair of kicks... recorded six pass break-ups... credited with 19 quarterback hurries... caught three passes for 28 yards from the tight end position... garnered scholarship offers from Florida, Iowa State, Kansas State, Memphis, and Syracuse... born 4/10/9... son of Gerald and Melissa Robinson |
| Dee Smith |
| SAF - 6-1, 200 - Fr. - Florence, Ala. (Florence) |
| No. 39 safety (Rivals.com)
No. 16 player in Alabama (Rivals.com)
No. 115 safety (Scout.com)
No. 20 player in Alabama (ESPN.com)
Florence High School
Rated as a 4-star recruit, Smith played linebacker and safety at Florence (Ala.) High for coach Jason Wallace... committed to the Cardinals in November of 2014... tabbed as the No. 16 player in the state of Alabama by Rivals.com... was ranked as the No. 11 safety in the country by Scout.com, and the No. 39 safety by Rivals.com... ranked the No. 20 recruit in Alabama according to ESPN.com... played linebacker for most of high school, but made the switch back to safety this year... intercepted three passes and totaled 50 tackles, helping lead Florence to an 11-3 record as a senior... averaged over 15.0 points per game and 7.0 rebounds per game as a standout on the hardwood... Smith chose Louisville over scholarship offers from Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Miami (Fla.), Kentucky, NC State, and Cincinnati. |
| Jaylen Smith |
| WR - 6-4, 188 - Fr. - Pascagoula, Miss. (Pascagoula) |
| No. 107 wide receiver (Scout.com)
No. 2 wide receiver in Mississippi (Scout.com)
No. 145 wide receiver (ESPN.com)
No. 27 player in Mississippi (ESPN.com)
No. 72 wide receiver (247sports.com)
No. 17 player in Mississippi (247sports.com)
Pascagoula High School
Played for Lewis Sims at Pascagoula High School... attended the same school as defensive backs coach Terrell Buckley... rated a 3-star prospect by Scout.com... three-year starter... two-time first team all-state selection... three-time all-state selection and a two-time all-region honoree... standout at wide receiver and was one of the top kick returners... named a Bernard Blackwell All-Star... totaled 70 receptions for 1,371 yards and 20 touchdowns... averaged 19.6 yards a reception... registered a pair of touchdowns on kick and punt returns....recorded 11 receptions for 280 yards and five scores in his first four games... selected to play for the South team in the 66th annual Bernard Blackwell All-Star Classic North vs. South game... despite playing with four different quarterbacks, ended his senior season with 31 catches for 435 yards and seven touchdowns... averaged 35 yards a return on kickoffs and 20 yards on punt returns... finished his junior campaign with 33 receptions for 724 yards and nine scores... averaged 21.9 yards a reception... chose Louisville over offers from Ole Miss, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Louisiana-Lafayette, Temple, Louisville, and Southern Mississippi... born 8/1/97. |
| Trey Smith |
| ATH - 5-11, 194 - Fr. - Madison, Miss. (Madison Central) |
| No. 84 athlete (ESPN.com)
No. 22 player in Mississippi (ESPN.com)
No. 158 athlete (Scout.com)
No. 3 athlete in Mississippi (Scout.com)
Madison Central High School
Played for Bobby Hall at Madison Central High School... triple-threat athlete... a former high school teammate is U of L freshman offensive lineman Jimmie Terry... selected to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game... spent time at quarterback, wide receiver, and running back in three varsity seasons for the Jaguars... three-star prospect by all the recruiting outlets... was rated as the No. 84 athlete by ESPN.com, and the No. 3 athlete in Mississippi by Scout.com... rushed for 1,473 yards and 12 touchdowns, passed for a score, and also contributed 39 receptions for 491 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior... guided Madison to a 9-4 record... passed for 607 yards and 5 touchdowns, while piling up 759 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground... tallied four 100-yard rushing games... opened the season running 24 times for 120 yards and two scores in a win over Brandon... rushed 16 times for 101 yards and three scores while passing for 179 yards and two touchdowns in a 52-28 win over Murrah... carried season-high 29 times for 172 yards and two scores in a win over West Monroe... chose Louisville over scholarship offers from Memphis, Mississippi State, Troy, and Louisiana Lafayette...is the son of former Jacksonville Jaguars all-time leading receiver Jimmy Smith... Petrino was a member of the Jaguars' staff, for three years, including one as offensive coordinator, during some Smith's finest seasons... U of L offensive coordinator Garrick McGee was also on the Jags' staff back then... born 10/21/95 |
| Emonee Smith |
| WR - 6-3, 194 - Fr. - Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Flanagan) |
| No. 101 wide receiver (Scout.com)
No. 23 wide receiver in Florida (Scout.com)
No. 76 wide receiver (Rivals.com)
No. 74 athlete in Florida (Rivals.com)
No. 46 wide receiver (ESPN.com)
No. 67 player in Florida (ESPN.com)
Flanagan High School
Played for Devin Bush at Flanagan High School... one of the highest-rated recruits in the signing class... rated a 4-star prospect by ESPN.com and Scout.com... Rivals.com ranks him a 3-star recruit... tabbed by Scout.com as the No. 23 wide receiver in Florida and the No. 101 player overall... rated the No. 46 wide receiver by ESPN.com... rated as the second-best wide receiver in the state of Florida... voted a Class 8A all-state honorable mention... recorded over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns during his scholastic career at Flanagan... was Flanagan's second-leading receiver this season, catching 51 passes for 927 yards and nine touchdowns during his senior campaign... scored on a 47-yard touchdown pass and an 87-yard strike versus Cooper City... finished his junior year with 401 yards and seven touchdowns... rated the No. 46 receiver nationally and No. 67 senior in Florida... ranked as a high three-star player by Rivals.com, No. 76 nationally at wide receiver and No. 74 overall in Florida... played with the South Florida Express 7-on-7 team... chose Louisville over West Virginia, Auburn, Kentucky, Mississippi State, TCU and Cincinnati... born 9/24/96. |
| Kenny Thomas |
| OL - 6-6, 320 - Fr. - Prattville, Ala. (Prattville) |
| No. 68 guard (Scout.com)
No. 4 guard in Alabama (Scout.com)
No. 127 offensive tackle (ESPN.com)
No. 36 player in Alabama (ESPN.com)
No. 148 offensive tackle (247sports.com)
No. 47 player in Alabama (247sports.com)
Prattville High School
Spent last season playing for Chad Anderson at Prattville High School... spent his first three seasons at St. James High School... played his senior season at Prattville High, where he helped the Lions finish as the Class 7A runners up... was a part of a Prattville offensive line that helped the Lions accumulate a school record 4,478 rushing yards in 2014... rated as a 3-star prospect by all the major recruiting outlets... was ranked as the No. 68 offensive line prospect in the nation by Scout.com, and the No. 36 recruit in Alabama by ESPN.com... voted to the Class 7A All-State and All-Metro first teams... was a finalist for the 7A Lineman of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers... graded out at 85 percent for the season... recorded 45 pancake blocks... named to the Class 4A All-Metro team in 2013... was selected first team All-State... chose Louisville over scholarship offers from Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Minnesota... son of Renoda Thomas. |
