'I can build a legacy': 2024 5-star LB TJ Capers commits to Louisville

As a Miami-area kid, there was always a temptation to stay home for five-star 2024 linebacker TJ Capers, who plays at Miami Columbus High.

The hometown Hurricanes, along with Colorado, Georgia and USC, made his top five schools on December 28. But Capers wants to be the start of something big at a different school: Louisville. He announced for the Cardinals on Saturday during the All-American Bowl on NBC.

“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,” he told On3. “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.”

TJ Capers wants to be the leader of Louisville’s recruiting

The No. 10 overall player in the On3 Consensus has been watching Louisville from afar for some time now, and he got a chance to visit for a game this season.

He saw what Scott Satterfield was building on the field, and he thinks new head coach Jeff Brohm can take that to an even higher level. He wants to be part of bringing elite recruits to the 502.

“I just love the idea of bringing in other top recruits. I love the way their linebackers are playing, and I know I can come in early and get a lot of playing time. They showed a lot of love when I was there. All of that played into me becoming a Cardinal.

…I started watching Louisville from a distance, and I liked the way they play. They were beating a lot of teams that they weren’t expected to beat, and then they started getting some other top recruits. Stanquan Clark is another top recruit that I think we can really do something at the next level together at Louisville.”

New coaching staff doesn’t alter his decision

With Satterfield departing for Cincinnati, it would make sense that Capers would have some reservations about a new coaching staff. But he’s already been on the phone with Brohm, and he has existing relationships with coaches that Brohm kept on staff.

“It wasn’t like I was meeting unfamiliar faces with the staff. Coach Hova, he’s been recruiting for Louisville for a long time. So even with the coaching change, I’ve been locked in with him for a long time. That didn’t really change my decision. I love the new head coach. That should be nothing to worry about at the next level.”