3. Rodney Johnson, CB
As mentioned previously, the defensive secondary is a potential weak point in the defense due to the lack of returning production. Another potential piece to this puzzle to help the Cards is the incoming senior CB Rodney Johnson. Johnson transferred in from Southern University, where he posted 35 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception last season. Johnson looks to continue this success at Louisville this upcoming season.
Johnson has also emerged as an early leader for the secondary throughout the fall camp. His role may be two-fold in both providing the production on the field needed for defensive success, as well as being the leader Ron English needs to anchor the back of the secondary.
It will be crucial that the secondary steps up and serves as the final line of defense against some of the best teams in the country that the Cards face this season. Johnson will hopefully be one of the bright spots and help the Cardinals' defense endure a season of improvement from last season’s defensive shortcomings.
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