James Hearns: The defensive MVP that Louisville football needed

James Hearns has gone from being a hopeful replacement to one of the stars of the Louisville football team in just five games.

The Louisville football team lost one of their best linebackers, Trevon Young, in the Music City Bowl last year. This left the Cardinals with a huge hole in their defense, even with another star linebacker in DeVonte Fields. However, James Hearns has gone from a hopeful replacement to one of the best players on the Louisville football team.

We initially saw the burst he had against Charlotte, but let’s be real, I think we all had tempered expectations after that huge win to start the year. However, Hearns has kept his play up all season long and is looking like one of the best linebackers in the entire ACC.

Here are Hearns’ stats through the first five games of the 2016 season, according to Louisville’s official athletic website:

5.5 tackles for loss (team leader)

20 total tackles (7th on team)

5.5 tackles for loss (team leader)

4.5 sacks (team leader)

4 forced fumbles (team leader)

There is no way that anyone can look at those numbers and not be impressed with what he has done through the first five games for the Cardinals. Not only has he replaced Trevon Young, he has given the Louisville defense another phenomenal linebacker.

Louisville is going to need James Hearns healthy and active in order to make it to the college football playoff. He is a disruptive force with an incredibly powerful and quick first step.

Kudos to the coaching staff for giving this guy his opportunity to get on the field and be a factor in the ACC.