Louisville football hits the transfer portal again with dynamic safety

Louisville football lands another impact transfer. Who he is and what he’ll provide in 2021.

Louisville football has several needs on both sides the football that they’ll need to address this offseason. They addressed one last month when they hit the transfer portal to land Bryan Hudson from Virginia Tech. And now they’ve gone back to the portal once again, this time for a need on the opposite side.

The newest addition to Louisville is Kenderick Duncan Jr., a highly productive transfer from Georgia Southern who plays the safety position. Playing in the Sun Belt conference, Duncan is likely a player that the Louisville coaching staff is familiar with from their time at App State.

After three seasons at Georgia Southern, Duncan announced his intent to transfer back on December 30th and quickly became a hot commodity, attracting interest from multiple big-time programs. Even playing at a school not traditionally known for football prowess, it’s easy to see why Louisville wanted him.

Also relevant: Recapping Louisville women’s basketball’s win & schedule adjustments

What to know about Kendrick Duncan Jr.

The transfer news came on the heels of a shortened season for Duncan Jr., who only played five games because of a knee injury. He finished what would be his final season with 20 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 pass deflections. Over the course of his career, Duncan was easily one of the most productive players on his team as he recorded 138 tackles, 6 interceptions, 14 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.

In 2018 as a freshman, Duncan Jr. played in 7 games, picking up 39 tackles and 2 picks. In 2019, he had his best career season as he started in all 13 games. He totaled 79 tackles (including 56 solo), 2 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.

In 2019, Duncan Jr. was named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference. And then named a preseason All-Sun Belt Conference first-team selection heading into 2020. His knee injury kept him from playing a full season, one many believed could land him on NFL radars. He’ll now get that chance once again, this time playing for an up and coming ACC program.

What Kenderick Duncan Jr’s addition means for Louisville football

Louisville suffered attrition after losing starters Isaiah Hayes & Russ Yeast, as well as backups Telly Plummer and Trenell Troutman at safety. Though (safeties coach) Sha’Don Brown will return promising players Lovie Jenkins and Josh Minkins, as well as veteran Jack Fagot, depth was needed.

Now, instead of just bringing in high-level recruits and returning a couple of contributors. Louisville will instead, have an experienced, playmaker who can lead the way.

We hear time and time again that fits matters more than just about anything when it comes to this staff. Once again we see that with Duncan. Not only will he join a program that is already familiar with his play, but one that has a big-time need within his skillset.

Duncan is a guy capable of playing both the safety position and outside linebacker (CARD) in Bryan Brown’s scheme. At 6’3, 235-pounds, Duncan is a big guy with a lot of speed and hitting power. Whether it’s playing over the middle of the field in coverage or coming into the box for run plays, Duncan is a big-time hitter with a strong nose for the football.

He’s also a guy who will be relied on to keep receivers from breaking the top off of the defense. At Georgia Southern, Duncan was put into coverage a lot of the time and did his job extremely well. His six interceptions, 8 pass breakups, forced fumble, and multiple recoveries show that he’s also a stud playmaker; something sorely needed in Louisville’s secondary.

With the aforementioned Yeast and Hayes departing, this was a huge addition for the Louisville defense. Assuming Duncan plays at safety, he’ll join a projected starting secondary of Kei’Trel Clark and Chandler Jones and either Lovie Jenkins/Jack Fagot at safety.

The future is bright for 2020’s 20th best pass defense in the country.