Highlights & Evaluation: Louisville S Commit Jaiden Spearman

Louisville Report breaks down 2024 Louisville football safety commit Jaiden Spearman.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville football program's June recruiting momentum continues to press onward, as Jaiden Spearman has committed to the Cardinals.

Here is Louisville Report's full evaluation:

Prospect: Jaiden Spearman
Position: Safety
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
School: Cornelius (N.C.) William Amos Hough
Top Offers: Arizona State, Baylor, Florida, Michigan, Ole Miss, Penn State, Wisconsin
247Sports Composite Rating (Nat'l Rank): 0.8444 (1,295th)

Jaiden Spearman's Junior Year Highlights: HERE (Hudl)

Frame: Has good height and wingspan for someone who plays primarily from the free safety spot. He is a little wiry, but could definitely add some weight and muscle tone to his frame.

Athleticism: His physical intangibles are about average. Has good north-south speed and can backpedal fairly quickly, but his lateral quickness and overall agility is hit or miss.

Instincts: One of the first things the stands out when watching Spearman's film is that he is adept when playing downhill. He does a good job of reading the play as it unfolds while closing in, and can usually diagnose the play correctly for a stop. He's also someone who has a nose for the football, as evidenced by his 13 pass defenses (11 PBU's, two INT's) and two forced fumbles. For someone who is a bit on the wiry side, he hits harder and plays a little more physical than expected. Thanks in part to his wingspan, he also has good wrap up tackling form.

Polish: Spearman brings a bit of position versatility, as he can play single-high, cover two, in the box and along the sideline and look comfortable doing so. Despite not having the best lateral footwork, he does a solid job at keeping ballcarriers in front and bringing them down when they run right at him. One area that will have to be worked on is his reaction time (whether it's improving his burst or play recognition) when sitting in a deep zone

Bottom Line: Overall, Spearman is a solid developmental pickup for Louisville, and a great addition for someone who is reported to be joining as a walk-on. There is potential given his versatility and ability to play downhill, but he'll have to continue to work on his physical development. He could be a contributor by year two at either free safety or STAR in Ron English's defense.

(Photo of Jaiden Spearman via Instagram)

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