Louisville football: 5 defensive players with the most to prove in 2019

GG Robinson – DT

I’ve said it a few times this offseason, but I’ll repeat it here in case you haven’t read it – the defensive improvement both on the field, and in the meeting rooms, start with G.G. Robinson.

He is without question, the most important defensive player for the Cards in 2019 playing at the DT/NT position in the new 3-4 scheme for Bryan Brown.

Last season as a full-time starter on the defensive line for the first time in his career, Robinson struggled. In a career-high 10 games he recorded just 22 total tackles (14 solo) and 2 sacks. While the sacks were a career high, his tackle total decreased from his junior season – and at times he really looked lost on the field.

We’ve talked about the defensive struggles enough in this piece from 2018, so let’s focus on 2019 for Robinson.

The role for Robinson will be more than just about production on the field as mentioned. As a senior and a player who has been through the good and bad during his time at Louisville, Robinson will need to provide leadership at a high level in order for this defense to go to the next level. Doing the right thing, fighting through adversity, playing for your brother next to you – all of these things will need to be put into action for his teammates to see in 2019.

He’ll also need to produce and do so at a high level. Though the defensive line does have some talented pieces, the depth is limited and the overall core is inexperienced. Robinson will likely be the team’s starting NT, playing alongside of Amonte Caban and Tabarius Peterson – but behind him will be a huge question mark. Robinson will have to play a lot of snaps in 2019 and do so through fatigue at a very high level.

Producing may not necessarily mean gathering a high number of the typical stats you look for in a defensive lineman such as sacks or tackles. Instead, in his new role as the NT, Robinson will be needing to fill space and commands blocks while providing room for the speed in the linebacking core and at the defensive end position to make plays.

However, third down and short has been a problem area for years as Louisville has struggled mightily to get off the field. In 2019 Robinson will have to be able to penetrate the middle and stop the run for the Cards to be successful.

A bounce-back season is needed for Robinson, and I expect him to bring his A game in 2019 for Bryan Brown and Scott Satterfield.