Louisville 4-star LB commit TJ Capers reclassifying to 2023, enrolling early

Miami (Fla.) Columbus High four-star linebacker TJ Capers committed to Louisville in January over offers from across the country.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder is the highest-rated commit in the Cardinals’ 2024 class, but he will be taking his talents to the Bluegrass State a bit earlier than everyone expected. Capers is set to reclassify to the 2023 class and enroll at Louisville in the coming days.

The news was first reported by Jody Demling of 247Sports’ Cardinal Authority.

Capers ranks as the nation’s No. 56 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also tabbed as the country’s No. 7 linebacker and the No. 9 recruit in Florida.

As a junior last fall, Capers racked up 70 tackles, 11 quarterback hurries and seven sacks for Columbus that went 14-1 and won the 4M state championship.

He chose the Cardinals over USC, Georgia, Miami and Colorado in early January, giving new head coach Brian Brohm a statement recruiting win after less than a month on the job.

“Of course it’s hard to leave my hometown, but when you look at what you’re leaving for, it’s a decision you have to make,” Capers told On3’s Chad Simmons at the time. “I think Louisville is the best for me because I can get playing time early. The second thing has to be the city. They don’t have a pro team, so all of the fans are screaming ‘Go Cardinals,’ wearing red and putting on for the city. I love the support system, and third, I can help build a program instead of joining one that’s already built. I can build a legacy at Louisville.”

2023 class was one of the best ever at Louisville

Even in the midst of coaching upheaval with Scott Satterfield leaving for a job at Cincinnati and the Cardinals hiring Brohm away from Purdue, Louisville notched one of its best recruiting classes ever in 2023.

The group featured 10 four-star prospects, including top-200 players Adonijah Green and Aaron Williams, along with four-star quarterback Pierce Clarkson.