2. Which targets will emerge as Jackson’s favorite?
Louisville figures to have one of the most explosive offenses in the nation as long as Jackson is under center, but he will have to work in a new group of playmakers following a number of important departures this offseason.
Top three leading receivers Jamari Staples, James Quick and Cole Hikutini all graduated from last year’s squad. The injury situation this spring isn’t helping, as Bonnafon has been forced to move to running back and Smith hasn’t been able to provide a receiving threat out of the backfield while out due to injury.
Jaylen Smith figures to be the primary option in 2017 after standing out as a big-play threat last year with 27 receptions for 599 yards and six touchdowns. Other returners like Traveon Samuel and Devonte Peete were only used on a limited basis in 2016, so Jackson will hope to develop chemistry with Jackson quickly in the spring.
Petrino has been raving about four-star sophomore Seth Dawkins, who is a tough cover at 6-3 with explosive athleticism, and was the only true freshman to receive any playing time on the Louisville offense in 2016. Tight end is an even bigger question mark in Hikutini’s absence, as presumptive replacements Micky Crum and Charles Standberry combined for five catches last year.
Jackson can’t do everything himself, and will want some reliable targets beyond Smith for Louisville’s early-season showdown against Clemson on Sept. 16.