Ranking each of the Louisville football positions from weakest to strongest

7 of 10

SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 09: Anthony Johnson #27 of the Louisville Cardinals and Chandler Jones #2 react to Jones being called for pass interference during the third quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on November 9, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

4. Secondary

Returnees (CB): Cornelius Sturghill (R-Sr.), P.J. Mbanasor (R-Sr.), Chandler Jones (So.), Anthony Johnson (So.), Telly Plummer (So.),

Returnees (S): TreSean Smith (Jr.), Khane Pass (R-Sr.), Russ Yeast (Jr.), Marlon Character (Jr.), Trenell Troutman (So.), Kaheem Roach (R-So.),

Not returning: n/a

Projected starters: Anthony Johnson (CB), Cornelius Sturghill (CB), Chandler Jones (CB), TreSean Smith (S), Khane Pass (S)

Players to watch: Anthony Johnson (CB), Russ Yeast (S)

To look back and relive how bad the Louisville secondary was under Peter Sirmon and Brian VanGorder alone is a reason not to pay Bobby Petrino the $14 million buyout money that’s currently owed. With so much talent in this group, the Cards still managed to give up 8.5 yards per passing play in 2018 (119th in the country), allowing QB’s to complete over 60 percent of their passes, while only forcing six interceptions.

This season under the coaching of Bryan Brown (co-defensive coordinator & CB’s) and ShaDon Brown (safeties), expect that to change in a major way.

https://twitter.com/UofLFootball/status/1097992353338531842

The Cards return nearly every one from their secondary from last season, aside from Dee Smith, and will no doubt be led by sophomore’s Anthony Johnson and Chandler Jones at corner and junior’s TreSean Smith and Russ Yeast.

There will be speed, experience, power, tackling, and playmaking all coached by one of the best up and coming defensive coaches in America. In 2018 Appalachian State’s defense gave up 148 passing yards per game, while picking off 15 passes and scoring seven defensive touchdowns.

While the competition will be much stiffer, there’s no denying that the cupboard will be full like never before for Bryan Brown. I fully expect Louisville’s secondary to be the most improved unit at the end of the 2019-20 season.

Position Grade: B

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