Louisville Football Recruiting Updates

Chris PersonJanuary 31, 2016

** Lamarques Thomas made his official visit to UofL this weekend and “really enjoyed it!” Thomas talked about his impression of Louisville “[I was] impressed with the fact of the family feel you get from the coach’s and their staff. That’s big for me coming from 9 hours from home.” He also got to talk with Coach Petrino about how he is planning to be used in Grantham’s defense “They would like to use me in the nickel to help with run but also drop into coverage which I feel is perfect for me because it’s what I’ve done all three years of high school.” Thomas also discussed with me the opportunity to play for Louisville and what his mom’s reaction was to the visit “It’s a blessing to be able to continue my career at the next level, I couldn’t be in a better position than I’m in now. My mom truly had tears of joy throughout the whole visit this weekend! She’s very excited!”

** I was able to catch up with Keion Wakefield’s dad, Ron, who also indicated that they had a great visit. What things stood out to them? “The commitment the staff [has] in winning a national championship. I like their vision. How the campus has changed. It’s [an] awesome time to be a Cardinal.”

** JUCO Offensive Lineman Shane Richards left campus uncommitted but said “It was a fun visit! The campus was beautiful and the atmosphere of the town was awesome!” Richards came into the weekend seemingly favoring Oklahoma State and when asked if the schools were now even said “I would say their even.. But I did like what I see for sure!” What factors will influence Richards’ decision? “Academics, playing time, the ability to get better, to improve, to get to the next level, as well as team chemistry are the biggest ones for me!” Richards stated he would make his final decision on February 2^nd.

** DB Chris Tooley visited campus this weekend but left uncommitted and proceeded to commit Sunday afternoon to FAU. When I messaged Tooley he stated “I didn’t have a committable offer” and that Coach Petrino said “he had 2 more offers out and was waiting on them to come back”. To me this gives a strong indication that Petrino is confident in landing at least 1 more defensive back commitment. Logic tells me this comes down to Trayvon Mullen and 1 other. While I don’t have any information as to who the other option may be, I would venture to guess it may be former UofL commit and current OSU commit Rodjay Burns.

** There has been much talk about Dez Fitzpatrick thrown around and we will probably not know for sure until Monday at 2pm but from everyone I have talked to, it sounds like he had a really great time. If nothing else this visit through a wrench in his decision making process. Will he end up picking UofL? I am not sure at this point, but I do know that this weekend gave him something to think about.

** In talking to running back Brian Lankford-Johnson over the course of the past month or so, it became apparent that UofL was his dream school. Heading into this weekend I was fully expecting a commitment and that has yet to happen (to my knowledge). It was my knowledge that he has been a take for the Louisville coaching staff so I am not sure if that changed or he is just delaying an announcement. As soon we find out we will update you on his recruitment!

** Quick note on UofL commit Tabarius Peterson’s visit in which he called a “finalization” visit. It sounds like he really enjoyed his visit. When asked what he liked most about his visit? “Everything really…The biggest one that stood out to me was the support of the fan base.” Peterson is projected as an outside linebacker that can rush the passer and cover the flats.