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Louisville football: Five most important players returning for 2020 campaign

By Presley Meyer

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 05: Micale Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals in action in the game against the Boston College Eagles at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 05: Micale Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals in action in the game against the Boston College Eagles at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Louisville football defense, russ yeast, uofl football, bryan brown
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 08: Russ Yeast #6 of the Louisvillle Cardinals runs with the ball against the Indiana State Sycamores on September 8, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Russ Yeast

Let’s start with the man who, this time last year, appeared to be destined for a transfer.

Recruited as a cornerback, Russ Yeast was a big-time get for the Cards out of high school, but struggles during his freshman and sophomore seasons under Bobby Petrino left many to wonder whether they were due to his play or lack of fit in Louisville’s scheme.

The answer may have been a bit of both, but more importantly, Yeast was probably playing out of position at Corner.

At 5’11,” 200 pounds, Yeast is a bit small for a defensive back, but Satterfield and company really felt that’s where the rising senior fit last year, and the move paid major dividends.

Yeast was effective overall as he became the team’s 5th-leading tackler, and notched 4 pass break-ups and an interception.

Now, heading into the 2020 season Yeast will be counted on as a leader in a young secondary.

Louisville loses Khane Pass to graduation and fellow safety TreSean Smith is listed on the roster, but his status is still up in the air.

If Louisville wants to improve on defense in 2020, it’s going to have to get more consistent in the secondary. As Yeast steps up into more of a leadership role, it will be vital for him to maintain his health and continue to improve in pass coverage.

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