Louisville football: Realistic expectations in year two of Scott Satterfield era

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Dayna Kinnaird #57 of the Louisville Cardinals waits to take the field prior to the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Dayna Kinnaird #57 of the Louisville Cardinals waits to take the field prior to the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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uofl football, louisville football, robert hicks
CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 03: G.G. Robinson #94 of the Louisville Cardinals tries to stop Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers as he runs for a touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Defensive preview

Most of the concerns stem from the defensive side of the ball. The Cardinals ranked 102nd nationally in total defense among FBS teams, giving up 439.9 yards per game. The main problem was stopping the run, as Louisville allowed 205.8 yards per contest (112th in the country). For the Cardinals to improve on defense, they have to work on stopping the run. With that being said, defensive coordinator Bryan Brown gives the unit some much-needed consistency and instruction. Heralded as one of the most promising young coordinators, Brown looks to improve all aspects of the team’s defense.

Dayna Kinnaird, Jared Goldwire, and Tabarius Peterson return on the defensive line, but that didn’t stop Satterfield from bringing in five more possible key contributors. Pass rushers Ja’Darien Boykin and Yaya Diaby along with defensive tackle Henry Bryant will aid in stopping the run and getting into the opposing backfields.

The linebacking core will most likely improve with the returns of Dorian Etheridge, Yasir Abdullah, CJ Avery, Robert Hicks, and Rodjay Burns. Newcomers Kameron Wilson (Louisville’s top-rated 2020 high school signee) and Marvin Dallas (JUCO) will get on the field early for the Cards and are two possible breakout candidates alongside Abdullah. Nick Okeke, PJ Blue, and Trenell Troutman could also be called upon to fill a significant role.

In the defensive backfield, Chandler Jones and Anthony Johnson return as the team’s starting corners. Louisville will also rely upon Russ Yeast, Marlon Character, Isaiah Hayes, and Jack Fagot to provide veteran leadership. Upcoming freshmen Lovie Jenkins, Josh Minkins Jr., and Jamie Vance are all promising defensive backs that will get a chance to prove themselves.