Editor’s Note: This story was included in The Athletic’s Best of 2019. See the full list.



Summer 2017



It is the equivalent of a home game for Dwuane Jones when Louisville plays Purdue in their season opener at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.



The Ravens scout lives in suburban Indianapolis and is responsible for the Midwest. He arrives early and is prepared to take a good look at a few Louisville prospects, including cornerback Jaire Alexander, offensive tackle Geron Christian and defensive end Trevon Young.



Oh, and they have this quarterback, too.



Jones had seen the quarterback in practice the year before. He noted his athleticism and playmaking ability but didn’t give him much thought at the time. The Ravens really aren’t focusing on quarterbacks right now, let alone this type of quarterback. Sure, he won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore the year before, but he isn’t a traditional passer, and he plays in an...