By Conner Farrell–

Senior linebacker Devonte Fields is a long way away from where he started his college career. Beginning at TCU, Fields recorded 18.5 tackles-for-loss and 10 sacks in his first season as a college player. His performance didn’t go unrecognized, Fields was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year.

All signs were pointing up for the 2012 Under Armour All American. Fields’ name started getting attached to All-American and All-Big 12 status by 2013.

But, all of that came to a screeching halt. Two games into his sophomore campaign, TCU dismissed Fields after domestic violence allegations.

After the allegations cleared, Fields became a standout playing at Trinity Valley Junior College in Texas. In a 2015 interview with The Courier-Journal’s Steve Jones, Fields went in depth about his time at the JUCO level.

“It was tough, but I would say it humbled me real good,” Fields said. “I really appreciate everything I went through, and it humbled me. So it was worth it. Going from Division I and seeing everything I had and seeing it being taken away from me really humbled me.”

This past season with the Cards, Fields had a stellar season leading the team in sacks (10.5) and tackles-for-loss (22). Fields’ best performances of the season came in the latter half. In the final four games, Fields recorded 22 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss and 8.5 sacks.

In the last two games against Kentucky and Texas A&M, Fields displayed some of his best outings of 2016. Versus UK, Fields registered 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles-for-loss, aiding in a Louisville victory. In the Music City Bowl, Fields shined the brightest on defense. He recorded three sacks and made two key pass deflections late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory for the Cards over Texas A&M.

Expectations are highest as they have ever been for the 6-foot-4 pass rusher. Fields’ preseason accolades are headlined by being named a first team All-American by Sports Illustrated. With all eyes on him again, Fields must continue his momentum from 2015.

Photo by Noah Allison / The Louisville Cardinal