Louisville’s backfield took a major hit Wednesday evening when star running back Jawhar Jordan announced he will skip the Holiday Bowl to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jordan led the Cardinals ground attack this season with 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns – proving one of the ACC’s most explosive playmakers when healthy. But the speedster battled hamstring issues over the final month and will now set his sights on the next level.
The New York native exploded onto the national scene by averaging nearly 10 yards per carry early in 2022 before eventually being limited by injuries. His decision leaves Louisville without its lead tailback against a porous Southern Cal rush defense later this month.
“We wish Jawhar nothing but the best in his future football endeavors,” coach Jeff Brohm said. “He was a dynamic weapon for us who will be difficult to replace.”
With Jordan exiting stage left, the Cardinals’ running back room gets thinner ahead of a New Year’s Six showdown. Backups Maurice Turner and Isaac Guerendo boast talent but lack starter experience at the college level so far.
Turner did step up with 160 yards and Offensive MVP honors in last year’s Fenway Bowl when injuries also plagued the position. And Guerendo flashed big-play ability in limited work this season, including a 146-yard, 3-touchdown explosion versus Virginia Tech.
Both will likely see increased opportunities to shoulder the burden with Jordan NFL-bound. Louisville may also lean more heavily on veteran quarterback Jack Plummer and a passing attack that’s been more prolific on the road this campaign.
Brohm’s squad, 9-4 and ACC runners-up, are expected to begin bowl preparations later this week. Now the head coach faces the task of devising a new rushing formula for the Holiday Bowl minus his most dynamic weapon.
