Be the coach: Finalizing the Louisville football roster for 2020
By Jacob Lane
DT, Javon Swann – Stanford
2019 stats: 31 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4.0 sacks
Status: Eligible immediately
In my opinion, the most pressing need for Louisville football entering the 2020 season is on the defensive line – specifically with a versatile lineman capable of playing both defensive end and defensive tackle.
Louisville will lose the heartbeat of their defensive line in G.G. Robinson as well as two-year starter Amonte Caban and reserve graduate-transfer Ty Tyler. While Tyler didn’t provide much during his only season at Louisville, Robinson and Caban combined to make 57 tackles and five sacks. They were two of the most consistent producers for the Louisville defense, despite what the numbers say.
Their loss will be felt in a big way, which is why I believe they must address the defensive line with a player capable of playing and contributing right away.
Enter Jovan Swann.
Swann was one of many players from Stanford to hit the transfer portal this offseason, and after graduating in just three years will have one more year of eligibility remaining.
In three seasons playing for David Shaw, Swann totaled 83 total tackles (including 48 solo) along with 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and one interception – which make him probably the most sought after players available.
Playing in a 3-4 scheme at Stanford, Swann has great positional versatility being able to play both defensive tackle and end and do so at a high-level. Swann is known as more of a pass-rusher than a run-stuffer which could very easily complement what the Cards bring back in 2019. Expected starters for Louisville include Jared Goldwire at nose tackle, Tabarius Peterson at defensive end along with Danya Kinnaird, Derek Dorsey, or incoming recruits Ja’Darien Boykin, Yaya Diaby lining up on the opposite side.
Swann playing at Stanford, one of the most prestigious academic schools in the country could limit his interest in Louisville, but if playing time and preparing for the next step in his football career is the top priority, the Cards would be a great fit.