Louisville Football: Revamped Secondary Could Steal Spotlight for Cards

The Returnees

TreSean Smith– Smith and Smith are likely the starters in at safety this year. Though TreSean was sidelined in the spring with a knee injury, look for him to return to full-speed, and be ready to square off against Alabama game 1. TreSean showed flashes of brilliance in year one for the Cards, tallying 34 tackles, 4 TFL, and two interceptions. Smith figures to be a pro one day with his size, length, and athleticism. Look for him to be a mainstay this season at safety after starting during the back end of 2017.

Dee Smith– Dee Smith is the lone veteran in the secondary, and will be counted on throughout 2018. Dee recorded 53 tackles last season, and added an interception in 12 games. He has flown under the radar for much of his career, but could be the leader that the Louisville secondary will need if they want to improve upon last year’s outcome.

Russ Yeast– Yeast was a guy a lot of fans were excited about coming out of high school. He was another 4-star player with unlimited potential, but received mixed reviews. Part of this was being thrust into a starting role while being totally unfamiliar with the defense, and speed of college football. Another part of it though was that the corners in 2017 were extremely poorly coached, and were not put in situations to succeed. Don’t get it twisted. Yeast is a guy that will compete for a starting spot again in 2018. He is extremely talented, and fundamentally disciplined. He had 23 tackles, and two passes broken up last year, and I’d look for him to double those figures under proper leadership.

CJ Avery– If TreSean Smith is not a full-go to start the season, Avery is a more than capable fill-in. Avery was a stud coming out of high school, and is a freak athlete who is able to be used in multiple areas. Look for Avery, who recorded 22 tackles in 2017, to have an increased role and possibly split time with Smith and Smith. Louisville is loaded at safety, and Avery is just as good of an option as any.

PJ Blue– Blue is in the same position as Avery, Smith, and Smith. Blue was a consensus four star coming out of high school, and was expected to be a game-changer at the linebacker/ safety position. He redshirted his freshman year, and tore his ACL in spring practice last season. Though he hasn’t played a college down yet, look for Blue to compete for serious playing-time if healthy. What his role will be when he is finally healthy remains to be seen, but based off of what VanGorder likes to do Blue could be utilized at safety or linebacker.

This is a guy to keep your eye on in 2018.

Khane Pass– Speaking of hybrid players, say hello to Khane Pass. Puma’s brother has already spent quite of bit of his time at Louisville on the field in a nickle package role. In his third season, look for him to be utilized in the same way as a nickle linebacker/ safety. Pass played in every game last season, and finished with 38 tackles and an interception.

Lamarques Thomas– Thomas is the wildcard of the group. Though often overlooked, Thomas has been a huge contributor on special teams, and played a back-up role at DB recording 9 tackles. Thomas is an athlete that will continue to find his way onto the field. You should be excited about Thomas’s potential as a key contributor in 2018.