Louisville football: Three takeaways from the first released depth chart

Depth and experience could mean UofL’s defense leads the way

Though we’ve spent a large portion of the summer breaking down each position group, and players who could be on their way to being breakout performers in 2019, the depth chart being released yesterday reminded me of something.

Louisville’s defense has depth and experience at nearly every position group, something that should help Bryan Brown and Cort Dennison take a big jump in year one as the new co-defensive coordinators.

Yes, the defense has struggled mightily since Todd Grantham left the program back in 2017 but to me, that has more to do with scheme fit and lack of coaching than it does with talent. There needs to obviously be a certain level of accountability held to the players, but let’s not act like these guys were put in places to succeed under Peter Sirmon and Brian VanGorder.

With experienced guys like G.G. Robinson, Khane Pass, C.J. Avery, PJ Mbanasor, Cornelius Sturghill and others back this year, along with a proven defensive player like Ty Tyler from Marshall, and a scheme that fits their tendencies and skills much better expect Louisville’s defense to take a huge step forward.

Behind some of the “proven” players  (if you want to call it that) there is also a lot of intrigue and talent there to provide depth. At corner, the starters penciled in (as of now) are sophomore Chandler Jones, who looked good at the end of last season, across from fifth-year senior Cornelius Sturghill. Behind them are names like Anthony Johnson (who will be a starter come Notre Dame, mark my words), Marlon Character, PJ Mbanasor, and Justin Ford.

The same scenario exists at defensive line behind G.G. Robinson, Amonte Caban, and Tabarius Peterson with names like Jarrett Jackson, Malik Clark, and Jared Goldwire, as well as at linebacker and safety.

However, what is missing from this group is a true star. A guy who you can point at and count on him to make winning plays night in and night out. In years past there’s been guys like Jon Greenard, Jaire Alexander, Devonte Fields, Trevon Young, James Sample, Sheldon Rankins, D’Angelo Brown, etc. etc.

This season in order for the defense to take the step forward we think they can someone will have to emerge as not only the leader of the group but the counted on playmaker. Watch for names like C.J. Avery, Rodjay Burns, Amonte Caban, Ty Tyler, and even T.J. Holl or Boosie Whitlow to fill that role.

With what I have seen and heard thus far from Bryan Brown, and knowing how Cort Dennison was his first go-round at Louisville, I have all the confidence in the world that the defense is not only in the right hands but can surprise a lot of people both here in Louisville and across the ACC.