:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5113283/129900293.0.jpg)
Five big-time recruits took official visits to Louisville over the weekend, and two have already made their pledge to play for the Cardinals in 2013.
Richard Benjamin, a three-star athlete who actually announced his commitment on Tuesday through Twitter and the Tampa Bay Tribune (which, apparently, doesn't count...or something), confirmed that he wants to play football for Charlie Strong on Sunday.
Benjamin, who was originally committed to Central Florida, finished his senior season at Tampa Bay Tech with 35 receptions for 509 yards and five touchdowns, 718 rushing yards and another six TDs on 103 carries and, on defense, four interceptions.
Though his list of options was large, Benjamin ultimately chose U of L over Ohio State, West Virginia and South Florida. The Cardinal coaching staff is reportedly interested in him as a cornerback.
Louisville also received a Sunday commitment from lefty quarterback Brett Nelson of Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista, CA. Nelson, who is expected to enroll at U of L next month, will have two years of eligibility remaining. His experience could be crucial for the Cardinals' transition to the ACC should Teddy Bridgewater wind up bolting for the NFL after his junior season.
"They understand Teddy's probably leaving next year (for the 2014 NFL draft)," Nelson told The Courier-Journal "... I could go in for a year and learn the system for a year and take over. ... That's kind of what they were looking for in terms of me."
U of L also received official visits this weekend from Trinity star James Quick, West Chester (OH) offensive tackle Kyle Meadows and Georgia offensive lineman Chandler Bridges, who is already committed to the Cards.
Quick, who is one of the highest-profile recruits to come out of the Louisville area in the past decade, will announce his college decision at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 5. Bridgewater was his host over the weekend.