Louisville just landed a big piece for its future defense - literally and figuratively. Cornelius Tims, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle out of Fort Myers (Fla.) South High School, has committed to the Cardinals, becoming the sixth member of their 2027 recruiting class.
And for Tims, this commitment is more than just a football decision - it’s a dream fulfilled.
“It feels great,” he said. “Everything is right about it. It’s where I’ve wanted to go.”
That desire to wear Cardinal red goes way back. Tims has long had his eye on Louisville, and it all started with a certain Heisman-winning quarterback.
“It started with my favorite player, Lamar Jackson,” Tims said. “But everything has been great during all this.”
The road to this commitment had its own unique twist. During the holiday season, Tims posted a TikTok asking Santa for one very specific gift - a scholarship offer from Louisville.
It didn’t arrive on Christmas Day, but when it did come in early May, it was the first offer he received. And it meant everything.
“That was big, really big,” Tims said. “For my dream school to be my first offer - that was big.”
He wasted no time showing his excitement. Tims pinned his commitment post on X (formerly Twitter) and started rocking Louisville gloves on game days. That kind of enthusiasm isn’t just about the name on the jersey - it’s about the relationships behind the scenes.
From the beginning, Louisville defensive line coach Mark Ivey made Tims a priority.
“Since day one, Coach Mark Ivey stayed in contact with me and we built a great relationship,” Tims said. “We talk all the time.”
That consistency helped seal the deal. Tims chose the Cardinals over a solid list of offers that included Boston College, Kansas, Memphis, South Florida, Syracuse, UCF, West Virginia, and others.
On the field, Tims is a force in the trenches. As a junior, he racked up 74 tackles, 11 sacks, and 23 tackles for loss - the kind of disruptive production that makes offensive coordinators lose sleep.
His impact helped Fort Myers South to a 7-4 season. And he’s not just a one-sport athlete.
Tims also plays power forward for the school’s basketball team, showcasing the kind of footwork and athleticism that translates well to the defensive line.
With his commitment, Tims becomes the first Florida prospect in Louisville’s 2027 class and the second defensive lineman, joining local standout Sebastian Blue from Louisville Trinity.
It’s early in the 2027 cycle, but landing a high-upside interior lineman who’s already producing at a high level - and who’s all-in on the program - is a strong foundation for what Louisville hopes to build.