It’s the time of year when sports magazines and web sites start casting their eyes toward the upcoming football season. Specifically, it’s watch list season as UofL Football deemed it today. One of these prestigious magazines, Athlon Sports, has named four Cards to preseason All-ACC teams.
👀 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗭𝗡 👀@AthlonSports 2021 All-ACC team#GoCards pic.twitter.com/yLs52FjpXR
— Louisville Football (@UofLFootball) May 26, 2021
Sophomore CB Kei’Trel Clark, redshirt senior LB CJ Avery, redshirt senior OL Cole Bentley, and redshirt sophomore Marshon Ford were each picked by Athlon Sports to make All-ACC teams.
Clark was picked to make second team defense. The Richmond, VA native was arguably the best DB on the team last season. He recorded 36 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, recovered 1 fumble, picked off 1 pass, and had 11 passes defensed for the Cards. He was a true revelation for Coach Brown and the secondary after coming over from Liberty as a transfer.
Avery was picked to make the third team defense. The stalwart LB has been as steady and reliable as any player on the defensive side. He recorded 78 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and he defended 4 passes last season. Avery will be a true anchor in the front 7 for UofL this season.
Bentley was picked to make the third team offense. A native of WV who attended Belfry High School in KY, Bentley has been a stalwart on the offensive line. He’s played both guard and center on the front line. His size at 6’3 315 lbs, strength, and, most importantly, experience will serve the Cards well heading into 2021.
Ford was named to the third team offense, joining Bentley. A Louisville native that played for Ballard, Ford has played the TE/H-Back position for UofL. He’s been an excellent two-way TE both blocking and receiving. Ford caught 25 passes for 309 yards and 6 TDs last season, averaging 12.4 yards a catch. He’s a true weapon in the running game as a lead blocker and the passing game. His power, speed, and size allow him to be one of the more dangerous receiving TEs in the ACC.
The Cards are starting to have their talent recognized once again by national publications and analysts. All four players are deserving of these preseason honors and will likely achieve them, if not surpass them.
