Louisville football: Predicting the Cards defensive MVP for 2019

Anthony Johnson

If you know me, you know that I love the player that Anthony Johnson is becoming. Late last season as the rest of the secondary floundered, Johnson looked like a rising cornerback who could one day become the lockdown player the Cards needed.

Now, with Bryan Brown as the co-defensive coordinator and cornerback coach, a player who did a great job of creating chaos for opposing receivers (at least to the best of his ability in a broken defensive system) will get the chance to star outside.

With the defense focusing on creating turnovers by wreaking havoc, Johnson could have a big season, especially forcing interceptions. He’s long, athletic, quick, rangy and has just about everything Brown looks for.

Russ Yeast

We know Russ Yeast had a lot of potential when he committed to the Cards but didn’t the right opportunity under Bobby Petrino and his defensive coordinators. Bryan Brown has already stated this summer that the new staff loves what Yeast brings to the table and he likely will be one of the starting safeties come Notre Dame.

In the spring, Brown talked with Drew Deener of ESPN Louisville about Yeast, saying:

"Right now he’s our starting strong safety. He’s unbelievable! We moved him from corner to safety, that was one of our moves and he fits just perfectly at that spot. He’s like a corner, but he’s not a true corner if you understand what I’m saying. He’s not a guy that can just go out there on an island all the time and lock up on one. My strong safety in our defense is really a third corner that tackles really well."

Yeast is not a great cover guy but has the speed and athleticism necessary to make plays on the back end of the defense. By the end of the year, he easily could be one of the best players on defense for Louisville.

Boosie Whitlow

Much like Johnson, Boosie Whitlow is a guy I am extremely high on. Whitlow has great size at 6’3, 255-pounds, and has shown flashes of athleticism, elusiveness, and a high motor in the small amount of playing time he’s gotten during stints at South Carolina and last season at Louisville.

Listed as an OLB, Whitlow’s primary job this season will be to help improve what was one of the worst pass rushes in all of the country last year. In 2018, he played in just three games, registering four tackles, but in 2019 his role should increase mightily.

A breakout season for Whitlow could mean big things for the Louisville defense that is lacking players with NFL talent and size.

Amonte Caban

There’s not a player who has been singled out more for their performance both on and off the field than senior defensive end Amonte Caban.

The 6’1, 252-pound defensive end seldom played up until last season, one in which he was counted upon heavily to make plays, something he did every opportunity he got totaling 50 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks.

After spring practice, the praise for Caban started as Satterfield said:

“On defense, the defensive line will fit nicely in our scheme. We are switching from a four down to a three down but we have some guys there. Amonte Caban is one who stands out for us. That could be a surprise spot for us.

Since then Caban has been pointed out as a guy who will be a playmaker, leader, and trendsetter for the Cardinals. Leading the team in sacks is a possibility for Caban, who showed the ability to do so last season although it didn’t reflect in the overall statistics, and becoming the voice of the defense is a very strong possibility.