Projecting the Louisville football defensive depth chart headed into spring

Who makes up the depth chart for the Louisville football defense?

Spring football is here (at least for Louisville football) can you believe it? With the Super Bowl taking place on Sunday evening, it feels a little odd to be unofficially kicking off the 2021 football season. But here we are.

We’ve already taken a look at the offensive depth chart for Scott Satterfield and the offensive coordinator to be named. So now it’s time to take a closer look at the defense for 2021.

Before we talk about the future, we have to take a look back at what was accomplished by Bryan Brown’s unit in 2020. After being one of the worst defenses in power five history in 2018, Brown’s coaching improvement in 2019 was substantial but not enough to scream “we’re back.”

While many expected the offense to be one of the top in the country, no one expected Louisville’s pass defense to become one of the most stingy in the country. They did just that, finishing 17th overall behind the breakout play of former Liberty transfer, Kei’Trel Clark. That wasn’t it. Louisville made huge strides across the board, finishing 49th in scoring defense, 39th in total defense, and 80th in rushing defense. For the first time in nearly five years, the Cardinal defense was the reason for winning and being in big games.

There will be plenty of room for growth entering 2021, especially with Louisville replacing key starters like Dorian Etheridge, Russ Yeast, Rodjay Burns, and Isaiah Hayes. A number of issues face the Cards defense, including adding a more impactful pass rush and narrowing the gap in turnover margin. Both were major issues in 2020 and contributed to the 4-7 record.

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Who won’t be returning for the Louisville football defense in 2021

DL – Jared Goldwire (Declared for NFL Draft/Senior), Thurman Geathers (Transferred to Arkansas State)

LB – Dorian Etheridge (Declared for NFL Draft/Senior), PJ Blue (Transfer)

CB – Marlon Character (Declared for NFL Draft/Senior), Anthony Johnson (Transferred to Virginia)

S – Russ Yeast (Transferred to Kansas State), Isaiah Hayes (Declared for NFL Draft/Senior), Trenell Troutman (Transfer)

Defensive end –

1. Yaya Diaby
2. Ramon Puryear

Analysis: Yaya Diaby and Ramon Puryear both saw a lot of time in 2020 and that should continue this season. Diaby is a star in the making, I really believe that. That makes this spring crucial for him, Puryear, and the entire defensive line who are desperately trying to cultivate a consistent pass rush. Look for Ja’Darien Boykin, Zach Edwards, and even early enrolee Ashton Gillotte to push for time during spring.

Defensive end –

1. Tabarius Peterson
2. Dayna Kinnard

Analysis: Louisville will have experience and continuity on the other side of the line in Tabarius Peterson and Dayna Kinnaird, two upperclassmen. Production will be a premium if they are going to continue getting heavy snaps. Jared Dawson received a small number of snaps during 2020 but should be a much bigger part of the game plan this spring. Competition will be desperately needed. 22 tackles and 2 sacks won’t be enough for the Cardinals’ defense.

Defensive/nose tackle –

1. Malik Clark
2. Dezmond Tell
3. Henry Bryant

Analysis: Here’s my hot take. The day one starting nose tackle isn’t yet on the Louisville roster. I don’t know who it will be but as soon as the Cards are able to add another player at the position they need to. Malik Clark is the veteran of the group and a presumable starter. He’s not a guy who has produced a ton during his three years on campus but he has played well in spurts behind G.G. Robinson and Jared Goldwire. Dez Tell played some in 2020 and looked pretty good overall. He and Henry Bryant, who didn’t play in 2020, should push for more playing time as they were big-time recruits for the Cards last year.

Outside linebacker –

1. Yasir Abdullah
2. Nick Okeke
3. Kameron Wilson

Analysis: Outside linebacker is another position where Louisville will have a lot of continuity. Yasir Abdullah came on strong at the end of 2020 and I expect him to be one of the stars of this defense in 2021. His ability to force turnovers, get after the quarterback, as well as stuff plays in the backfield in the running game will be crucial to Bryan Brown. Nick Okeke is back and will provide solid depth and a veteran playmaker. Look out for Kam Wilson who rarely touched the field in his freshman season. I think this is going to be a position that overall takes a big step in 2020.

Inside linebacker –

1. C.J. Avery
2. Dorian Jones

Analysis: C.J. Avery returning for one more season was a game-changer for Brown’s defense. He’s been the leading tackler for three straight seasons and is a constant playmaker in all facets of the game. He can’t play every snap though, so that makes this spring extremely important for Dorian Jones. He can be a nice piece behind Avery but just needs the reps. The defense will lean on Avery’s leadership in 2021 more than years past, and that’s a challenge I expect him to rise to.

Inside linebacker –

1. Monty Montgomery
2. K.J. Cloyd

Analysis: Normally losing a player like Dorian Etheridge would be a backbreaker, but having Monty Montgomery stepping into a starting role softens the blow. He’s been the leader in sacks two straight seasons and having his speed on the field will allow Brown to try a variety of different things. After enrolling late, Cloyd flashed on special teams as well as in a reserve role on defense. He’s a guy who I think could become the next version of Montgomery.

Card (Outside linebacker) –

1. Marvin Dallas
2. Zay Peterson

Analysis: As of now there are just two players at the CARD spot for Louisville football and neither have much experience. Both Marvin Dallas and Zay Peterson were celebrated additions to the 2020 recruiting class who played sparingly. After mostly watching Rodjay Burns they’ll be counted on to provide production in both the run game as well as rushing the passer. Dallas was an impact maker on special teams late, so I give him the edge as of now. Also, watch for early enrolled Ben Perry to get some looks here as well as transfer Kenderick Duncan. They have the versatility to play the position but may be needed more at safety.

Cornerback –

1. Kei’Trel Clark
2. Greedy Vance

Analysis: Kei’Trel Clark will be looking to build on what was an incredible breakout season in 2020. After being named second-team All-ACC look for Clark to use this spring to work on the biggest issues preventing him from being named first-team; dropped interceptions. Clark was nearly perfect in every other aspect, but of course, there’s still room for improvement. Behind him, we’ll probably see a heavy dose of Greedy Vance, who flashed in small doses last year. He’ll be replacing Anthony Johnson, who transferred earlier this winter to Virginia. When Louisville football plays three corners, expect Vance to be the guy opposite of Clark & Chandler Jones. Freshman Derrick Edwards will also compete for snaps at the position.

Cornerback –

1. Chandler Jones
2. Kani Walker

Analysis: There will be a ton of stability at the corner position thanks to Jones and Clark returning. While Clark received all the attention last season, Jones was still solid on the year and is a perfect #2 at the position. As defenses try to stay away from Clark look for them to test Jones, who was more than capable of locking down his side of the field. Louisville’s pass defense finished 17th overall and with Jones back in tow, I expect that to only improve in 2021. Freshman Kani Walker will bring nice size and versatility to the position. He’ll most likely compete with Jamel Starks for the backup spot.

Strong safety –

1. Lovie Jenkins
2. Ben Perry

Analysis: Spring is going to be an extremely important time for the safety group as they welcome in new safeties coach Greg Gasparato. They’ll also be replacing starter and mainstay, Russ Yeast. Lovie Jenkins was the backup last season as a freshman and should be a plug-and-play option moving forward as a starter. I’m expecting a big season from Jenkins, and Louisville football will need it. He’ll have strong competition as Louisville welcomes in star freshman Ben Perry along with TJ Quinn. Perry could get a look at CARD but it’s more likely that he wins the backup job coming out of spring and sees the field a ton come fall.

Free safety –

1. Kenderick Duncan Jr.
2. Jack Fagot
3. Josh Minkins

Analysis: There’s a little more uncertainty at the opposite safety spot, but because of a lack of options. Gone is Isaiah Hayes, who has been replaced by multi-year Georgia Southern starter, Kenderick Duncan. Duncan is going to have a massive opportunity in spring to secure the starting role as he competes with former walk-on, Jack Fagot. Duncan has 138 tackles, 6 picks, and 14 PBU’s in three seasons, production and playmaking that is sorely needed. We can’t forget to mention Josh Minkins as well, who played a bit late in the year. His athleticism and playmaking ability will give him a fighter’s chance to win the starting spot.