Louisville Football dipped into the transfer portal and picked up a quality QB. Luke McCaffrey, a 6’2 QB who is transferring out of Nebraska, has chosen to continue his career at the University of Louisville.
Excited to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Louisville. Go Cardinals! pic.twitter.com/hWUlP3TTN8
— Luke McCaffrey (@mccaffrey_luke) February 22, 2021
He is the son of former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey and the brother of Carolina Panthers starting running back Christian McCaffrey. He was rated a 4 Star prospect out of high school by 247sports, choosing Nebraska over offers from the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Washington, among others.
Former Nebraska QB Luke McCaffrey announced that he will transfer to Louisville.
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) February 23, 2021
McCaffrey is the younger brother of Panthers RB, Christian McCaffrey. pic.twitter.com/rAxQtz8P8i
Watching the tape on Luke McCaffrey and it’s clear to see why Head Coach Scott Satterfield and QB Coach Pete Thomas went after the former 4 Star QB in the transfer portal. He might not ever be an All-ACC caliber QB, but he’s a very good fit for what Satterfield likes to do in his offense and with 4 years of eligibility remaining, he could be here awhile!
🔥 @mccaffrey_luke with the DIME @HuskerFBNation is right back in it! pic.twitter.com/T67W5ITKY6
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 29, 2019
McCaffery is extremely comfortable throwing on the run, maybe more so than he is dropping back in the pocket. He also is very comfortable running the run-pass option and play-action which Satterfield incorporates a lot into his offense. With just 1 passing TD and 6 INTs, he obviously has a lot of work to do in that department. However, the touch he has on his throws while on the run shows that there is potential in his arm. He just has to put the work in.
Lefty Luke 🔥@mccaffrey_luke switches to his left hand and picks up a first down for @HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/QuvEZdlIRN
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 14, 2020
I really think the main thing with him when it comes to his supbar passing stats is just his lack of experience at the position. He only played QB 1 year in high school and quickly rose up the rankings after making the switch to QB. Then, he was thrust into a pretty bad situation for any young QB, let alone one just learning the position, when he was asked to take over the Nebraska offense when their starting QB went down for a few games.
Baby bro running like @CMC_22! 🔥
— Nebraska On BTN (@NebraskaOnBTN) October 24, 2020
We see you, @mccaffrey_luke ! pic.twitter.com/077tPbbVrP
His biggest strength by far is his ability to run the option. He’s extremely smart and elusive once he decides to tuck the ball and run. He’s not the fastest McCaffery by any means, but his football IQ and toughness really show when he’s making plays with his legs. I don’t expect him to really push Malik for the starting job this year, but I do think with 4 years of eligibility remaining mixed with his fit in this offense gives him a chance to one day be Malik’s successor as the UL starting QB. And for now, at the very least, we have some more depth at QB with P5 football experience under their belt.
Luke McCaffrey helps fill a void in the QB room after the departures of Jawon Pass and Tee Webb. It’s likely he will compete for the starting job once he gets to campus, but will likely take this year to develop as a backup to incumbent starter Malik Cunningham. There’s a ton of talent and potential in this young QB and if develops, he can really be an excellent QB in the Satterfield system.
