Tutu Atwell became one of college football’s most elite receivers last season. The 5-9 WR from Miami’s Northwestern High School became the big play man in Louisville’s passing attack. Atwell had 70 receptions for 1276 yards and 12 TDs. The total receiving yards set a new school record and they also led the entire ACC. Whether catching bombs while running post routes down the middle of the field or running a jet sweep and taking pop passes for big gains, Atwell was difference maker for the Cards. His 2019 season led Atwell to be named First Team All-ACC for 2019.
With that past success, the junior WR now has more National eyes upon him. Phil Steele is a respected college football journalist and he has a particularly respected set of eyes. Steele selected Atwell to his 2020 Preseason All-America Team. Steele placed Atwell on his second team as a kick return specialist. Atwell was used as a punt returner last season and returned 4 punts for 84 yards, including a huge 50 yard return against Wake Forest at a pivotal moment in the game.
To read more about Tutu Atwell’s latest accolade, please read UofL’s press release below.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT:
Atwell Named a Phil Steele Preseason All-American
Tutu Atwell led the ACC in receiving yards last season with 1,276 yards.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Junior wide receiver Tutu Atwell was named to the Phil Steele 2020 Preseason All-America Team, as announced by the organization on Wednesday.
Atwell earned second team preseason honors as a kick return specialist for the second time this season, first being named to the Sporting News’ 2020 Preseason All-America Team in June. He earned first team All-American honors by Pro Football Focus and was a first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection in 2019.
A native of Miami, Fla., Atwell led the ACC in receiving yards and set the school’s single-season mark with 1,276 yards and equaled a school record with 12 touchdown receptions. He also knotted the school record with seven 100-yard receiving games and led the nation with four receptions of 70 or more yards.
Atwell closed the season with a career high nine receptions for 147 yards in the 2019 Music City Bowl win over Mississippi State and registered a career best 152 receiving yards in a win over Syracuse last season. The 5-foot-9 speedster recorded his first three-touchdown game in a 38-21 win over Western Kentucky last year.
The Cardinals are set to kick off the 2020 season at home on Wednesday, Sept. 2 against NC State. Game details have yet to be determined.
