The Cardinal Countdown: 26 Days Until Kickoff

#26 Jalen Washington

Class: Freshman

Ht/Wt: 5-7/177

Position: Wide Receiver

Hometown: Frankfort, KY

Twitter: @JPup7

Thoughts: Jalen is a solid addition to a very deep and talented group of wide receivers. Jalen got some interest from multiple programs including WKU, UK, Cincinnati, Missouri and Tennessee before ultimately choosing to walk-on at UofL. Jalen has athleticism (3 sport athlete in high school), and Jalen has burst (clocked at a sub 4.5 40 yard dash), but his agility and foot work was what had a lot of D-I coaches taking a look at him the last couple years. Jalen played both sides of the ball in high school (WR/RB/CB) so he has some versatility if the needs for UofL change down the road. I’d expect Jalen to be regulated to the scout team as a true freshman learning a new system, but keep an eye on how he progresses the next few years.

Sweet Tweet:

I'm signing tomorrow at Ewing Street Gym. At 2:10, come support if possible. I want to thank everybody. #CardNation pic.twitter.com/5OrQ7Z0VWL

— Jalen Washington (@JPup7) February 3, 2015

Good stuff, has to be an awesome feeling.

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#26 De’Eric Culver

Class: Sophomore

Ht/Wt: 6-0/186

Position: Cornerback

Hometown: Tallahassee, FL

Twitter: TBD

Thoughts: De’Eric, also known as Duke, expects to take on a much larger role this year at corner. Culver played in six games last year, all on special teams, but has impressed the coaches during the spring, heading into fall camp. Coach Buckley recently praised Culver’s hustle, saying “his effort is second to none” and Grantham mentioned him as a player he expects to see more from in 2015.

I was slightly surprised by the run that Tru Washington got last year as a freshman, but I thought he played well when given the chance. We’ve got a talented secondary once again this year with some transplanted “veterans” but I think Culver, along with Washington and newcomer Alexander, all press each other as the season wears on sharing some time opposite Shaq Wiggins and maybe even at the nickel depending upon Reve’s health. I assume Culver will still be a part of special teams when necessary but my opinion is that he is being prepped to be a consistent contributor to our secondary for the next three years. If you look at our depth chart at corner we really only have two upperclassmen and neither were heavy contributors last season. With the exception of early departures one would expect that group to remain solid for the foreseeable future.

Sweet Tweet: I know Duke has a twitter account as I’ve seen him post some things in the past but I can’t find it anywhere. It’s Monday and I’m exhausted so you’ll just have to trust me on this one. If someone knows it offhand feel free to post it in the comments below. We’re under 4 weeks people…