What is Louisville getting in McCaffrey?
Mitch Sherman, Nebraska beat writer: The Cardinals are getting an outstanding athlete in McCaffrey. While limited as a passer at Nebraska, he showed his versatility in playing receiver in addition to QB in 2019. McCaffrey opened the 2020 season by lining up at several spots against Ohio State and broke a 47-yard run as a running back on the first possession.
Interestingly, the Huskers shifted entirely away from the multi-position approach after the opener, moving McCaffrey into the starting QB position after two games. He helped beat Penn State but played poorly in a loss against Illinois and returned to a reserve role behind Adrian Martinez before opting in January to transfer.
What this means for Louisville at QB
Matt Fortuna, college football staff writer: Will McCaffrey be eligible for 2021? If so, perhaps he, along with Evan Conley, can challenge incumbent starter Malik Cunningham, who improved statistically as a passer and runner from 2019 to 2020 but saw that progress diminished by turning the ball over so often (12 interceptions, three lost fumbles).
Still, Louisville stuck with Cunningham all season despite those giveaways, which speaks to his playmaking abilities. Perhaps if McCaffrey is eligible and shows enough in practice, he can provide a real alternative if the Cards continue to give the ball away.
(Photo: Bruce Thorson / USA Today)
