Jamari Staples

2015: Team’s second-leading receiver with 37 receptions for 638 yards and three touchdowns… averaged a team-best 17.2 yards a reception… missed the first four games of the season because of a knee injury suffered three days before the season opener against Auburn… hauled in nine receptions for 194 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh which was a career high and the most receiving yards by a Cardinal since DeVante Parker had 180 last season against Kentucky… had a breakout game on the road against Wake Forest recording 10 catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns… caught four passes for 96 yards, including a 53-yard reception in the first quarter versus Boston College… earned his first career start against Florida State, recording four receptions for 56 yards in the 41-21 loss… saw his first action of the season in the win over NC State, recorded two receptions for 22 yards.

Before Louisville: Enrolled at Louisville in January after UAB shut down its football program … played two seasons for the Blazers … caught nine passes for 190 yards and a score in 2014 … played in 10 games, starting eight of those … missed contests vs. Middle Tennessee and Marshall due to injury … finished season second on the team in receptions with 31 … had 458 receiving yards to average impressive 14.8 yards per catch … notched four receiving touchdowns … had a season-long reception of 45 yards against East Carolina … had a 42-yard catch in opener at Troy … notched a 33-yard catch at LSU … in collegiate debut at Troy, he had six catches for season-high 103 yards with a touchdown … equaled season-best six receptions in victory at FIU … registered receiving touchdowns in four of first five games … recorded five catches for 78 yards at East Carolina … went without a reception in only one game (Rice) that he played … attended Central High School … played on both sides of the ball at Central … was named a Class 4A first-team all-state selection by Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) … listed as No. 47 prospect in Alabama by Rivals … named to Anniston Star All-Area squad … registered 574 receiving yards and three touchdowns … on the defensive side, he recorded 41 tackles and four interceptions … played for Clay County High School up until senior year when Clay merged with Lineville into one school.

Personal: Born 9/10/94 at Ashland, Ala. … chose Louisville over Auburn … son of Ametrice Burney (deceased) and Henry Staples … communication major.

Great character, size and production for the receiver position requirements at the next level. His production is misleading considering the variety of different targets quarterback Lamar Jackson disturbed the football. Jackson touched the combined for 669 pass and rushing attempts last season.

Staples uses his hands well to fight off press coverage and beat the jam at the line of scrimmage. Showed speed at NFL Combine running 4.51which confirms he is legit down field target at 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds. He does a good job of positioning his body to shield the ball. Possesses long arms and good catch radius, he dedicates himself to blocking.

An intriguing prospect that likely make his mark in camp and define himself early on as a No. 4 or No. 5 receiver at the next level. Size and speed will garner late-round attention in the draft. Definitely a high priority signing by NFL teams if he goes undrafted.