#53 Jake Smith

Class: RS Sophomore Ht/Wt: 6-4/315 Position: Offensive Line Hometown: Jacksonville, Ala

Louisville’s Take: Red-shirt sophomore who is one of the mainstays of the offensive line... one of the toughest and most physical components on the offensive line... plays every play and never takes a snap off... continues to develop and will be better in his third season.

Thoughts: Jake will cap off the offensive line, and most likely be a starter this year for the Cards. Jake started every game last year at guard and had one hell of a season. Evidently the FWAA (Football Writers Association of America) thought so as well, naming Jake to the Freshman All-American team. With Jake only being a sophomore the possibilities are endless for this kid. I've already made one future All-American predication and I wouldn't dare do that again.....or would I? I'll hold off for now. In hindsight, this has to be the first time in my life I'm actually excited about an offensive line. (Pulls out notpad, croses off bucket list) Thanks fellas.

So, to recap, that’s four 300lb+ starting lineman with Kupper sitting at 296. We are BIG! Protecting Teddy and the Running Birds (Band name, anyone?), will be huge this year and these boys can do it. I know I wouldn’t want to try and get past them.

Potential Nicknames: "Mountain Man", "Jakes"