The weapons
PJ Blue
PJ Blue looks to take a step forward in 2019 after a season that included 39 tackles and 2 tackles for loss in 11 games. The 6’3,” 230-pound redshirt junior could work his way into the rotation, even more, this season given defensive coordinator Bryan Brown’s linebacker-heavy scheme.
The new Cardinals staff values speed and everyone flying to the ball. For his size, Blue showcases excellent quickness, which should bode well for him this season.
Robert Hicks
After a position change in the spring led him to reconsider his options, Robert Hicks chose to remain a Cardinal and appears to back at linebacker. This is excellent news for Louisville and Hicks, whos standout true freshman season was one of the few bright spots in 2018.
Though the linebacker spot is deep, this former four-star product is sure to warrant even more playing time in 2019.
TJ Holl
TJ Holl, the graduate transfer from Colgate was an absolute terror for opposing offenses last season, and his game and leadership skills should transfer perfectly to the power five level.
Want to put into perspective what the Cards are getting? His Junior year, Holl only played four games, yet he would have been fifth on the team in total tackles. As a senior he led the team in tackles and was named the 2018 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. He is an absolute nightmare to prepare for and should come to Louisville with a chip on his shoulder.
Dorian Etheridge
A likely team captain for the 2019 season, Dorian Etheridge was selected as one of the two representatives for the Cardinals at ACC media day.
During his sophomore campaign, Etheridge was third on the team with 55 tackles, and third in tackles for loss. He could best be described as a prototypical linebacker. Etheridge can stay with his man in coverage, but also make proper reads and make his way into the backfield.
The preseason All-ACC selection has been a starter since his first game as a Card, and will likely assume that role this season.
CJ Avery
CJ Avery is a linebacker who fits the mold of what the new coaching staff likes to do perfectly. He is undersized, but he makes up for his smaller stature with great quickness and excellent situational awareness.
Even though he only played in 9 games in 2018, Avery is the team’s leading returning tackler. He also accounted for two interceptions, two pass breakups, a fumble forced, a fumble recovery, and a sack.
Quen Head
This is where things get interesting for the Cards. Avery, Etheridge, Hicks, and Blue have been mainstays on this unit, and Holl figures to demand playing time. However there is a great deal of talent waiting in the wings behind them.
Quen Head is a perfect example of a guy who could blossom in 2019. The rising Junior is long and lanky, and his unusual measurements (6’2,” 205-pounds) and above-average speed give the Cards a guy who can really shake things up and provide great depth.
Monty Montgomery
The JUCO transfer is not your typical linebacker, but that’s fine with defensive coordinators Bryan Brown and Cort Dennison. Monty Montgomery gets the job done, and his speed will be interesting to see if and when the Cards send the house on third and long situations.
Nike Okeke
Nick Okeke was a surprising name that surfaced last offseason and did not disappoint. The big bruiser (6’3,” 245-pounds) will look to improve upon 42 tackles and a forced fumble in only his second season.
Rodjay Burns
When you talk about adding team speed, the move to put Rodjay Burns at linebacker is a great example of what the new staff is doing. At 6’0,” 200-pounds, Burns has the size and speed of a secondary player. He was quick enough to take a punt return to the house last season, and brought an interception to the crib during his freshman season at Ohio State,
However, Burns was often a step behind the competition in 2018, and rather than waste his talent, Louisville is opting to add depth to the linebacker position by moving him over for his redshirt junior year. At linebacker, Burns is likely to assume a role similar to CJ Avery as a quick, hard-nosed tackler.
Yassir Abdullah
Maybe a dark horse to become the team’s most improved player in 2019, Yasir Abdullah is a freakish specimen who loves to “lay the wood”. The former four-star prospect had some eye-popping hits in 2018.