Louisville Football 2024 Roster Look: Tight Ends

Mark BlankenbakerJanuary 4, 2024

Jamari Johnson 6’5, 265
Nate Kurisky 6’3, 235. 18 catches, 141 yards, 2 TDs.
Duane Martin 6’2, 260. 2 catches, 27 yards
Gage Reale 6’2, 235

Departing

Josh Lifson
Joey Gatewood

Incoming

Dylan Mesman (HS) 6’5, 230
Izayah Cummings (Kentucky, 4 years experience) 4 receptions, 98 yards in 2023
Mark Redman 6’6, 255 (San Diego State, 3 years experience) 37 receptions, 394 yards, 3 TDs in 2023
Jaleel Skinner 6’5, 210 (Miami, 2 years experience)

Tight Ends was a position that really needed a proper fit in 2023 and UofL didn’t particularly have one. Joey Gatewood was a converted QB/WR that was OK for the position, but couldn’t play every down. Josh Lifston was a former walk-on turned scholarship player that did as well as could be expected and Nate Kurisky saw his role expand throughout the season as his understanding of the Jeff Brohm offense/college football became more and more onboard.

True Freshman Jamari Johnson remains a raw talent that fans will keenly watch and while Jamari didn’t register a catch in 2023 his role slowly grew on the field during the course of the year. I’d expect a lot of time and attention on Jamari this Spring/Summer. Kurisky likely also continues to see his role expand, BUT there are 3 incoming tight ends that fit the Jeff Brohm mold AND have varying levels of experience that make the tight end position much more of an asset in 2024.

Mark Redman comes from San Diego State as was the Aztecs leading receiver in a truly bad passing offense (115th). A pass catching tight end in the portal looks directly at Jeff Brohm…. and that’s exactly what Mark Redman did from 3000 miles away. On paper it looks like Redman is ready to take on the starting job for the Cards, but he’ll have a fight on his hands with Kurisky, Johnson and a few other newcomers.

Louisville native Izayah Cummings finally lands with the Cards for his final season of eligibility likely playing a similar role to that of Joey Gatewood did for UofL in 2023. Jaleel Skinner joins from Miami as a highly rated TE out of high school but he’s seen a limited role with the Canes.

On paper, it looks like Jeff Brohm finally has what he needs at the tight end position for 2024. A big upgrade for the Cards. Let’s see if it translates to the field.

2024 Position Looks: