Ross Prophater – Outside linebacker Yasir Abdullah will emerge as a standout third down player
It’s going on at least three years since the Louisville defense was a unit opposing offenses worried about and had trouble operating against. Not since the departure of Todd Grantham at the end of the ’16 season has Louisville fielded a defense that had any resemblance of intimidation, or real attitude. The types of defenses we as UofL fans were spoiled by and grew accustomed to with Strong’s and Grantham’s defenses.
After two years of what felt like the Twilight Zone being a UofL fan that loves the defensive side of the ball, I think we see a step in the right direction. New defensive coordinator Bryan Brown with his interpretation of the 3-4 defense relies on speed and hats flocking to the ball. He’s aggressive and with the assistance of big energy defensive coaches in co-defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Cort Dennison, defensive line Coach Mark Ivey, and safeties coach ShaDon Brown, I expect a lot of swag, energy, and life from that side of the ball.
In order for this defensive unit to be successful this season, they’re going to have to learn how to get off the field on third Down, something that’s plagued the UofL defense the past two seasons. The guy I look to-to step up and be the next stand out third-down playmaker is Yasir Abdullah.
Call me biased, but I’m self-admittedly a big fan. I’ve been following and covering Abdullah since his senior season at Carol City High High School located in south Florida. Abdullah was a defensive standout where his speed and versatility allowed him to make numerous plays for loss and create turnovers. I expect Bryan Brown to take full advantage of Yasir’s playmaking ability.
To go along with his versatility and his playmaking ability, Yasir has one of the best motors on the team and is a big, big hitter. His long, thick frame and strength to go along with his track-like speed will allow Yasir to wreak havoc this upcoming season all over the field.
https://twitter.com/AbYasiir/status/1043670987357782016?s=19
I think when you factor in all of Yasir’s abilities and you put him in a system like Bryan Brown’s, it’s easy to see the potential of a budding star and the next big playmaker for this Louisville defense. This year may not be the return of the dominant defense. But in a likely transition year, Yasir Abdullah will be a standout who will provide lots of big moments and have Cards fans excited about the future!
-GO CARDS!