The Cardinal Countdown: 47 Days Until Kickoff

#47 Desmond Daniels

Class: Freshman

Ht/Wt: 6-5/247

Position: Tight End

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Twitter: @100k_zay

Thoughts: Desmond is a great example of this staff thinking outside of the box and finding solid players that will work in their system at what some schools may consider their non-traditional position. Desmond was being recruited almost exclusively to play defensive end by schools like Indiana, Maryland, Syracuse, etc but Louisville wanted him for their tight end spot (Y) as he has good size, good speed, and good hands.

Desmond played both defensive end and tight end in high school but the Cards needed some depth at the Y (more customary TE role) as they were uncertain about Ean Pfeifer gaining a sixth season of eligibility (he did) and providing some depth along with Dez Melton (RS Fr). We saw how Louisville used Ean last season up on the line predominantly in blocking situations but he can sneak out and keep the backers honest as well, especially around the goal line where Satt and Co. went back to back TD’s to Pfeifer against Miami and NC State in 2019. As the offense evolves I think that Y position becomes more and more valuable.

In the video below you can see Desmond’s blocking on display, a little bit of his physicality on the defensive side of the ball, and…hold onto your boots, he’s long snapping as well.

Sweet Tweet:

I’m gonna go tell my wife “everything litty I love when it’s hot” just to see how confused her face looks.