Louisville football: Five defensive players with most to prove in 2020

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LOUISVILLE, KY – OCTOBER 05: Rodjay Burns #10 of the Louisville Cardinals makes a tackle near the sideline against Clinton Lynch #22 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first half of the game at Cardinal Stadium on October 5, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Rodjay Burns – OLB

2019 stats: 83 tackles, 54 solo, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 PD, 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 TD

Here is the hometown kid. Trinity star Rodjay Burns should have a large impact on the Cardinals defense again this season. Last season he recorded 54 solo tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception.

In his first season are transferring in from Ohio State, Burns was a cornerback for the Cardinals and did a fairly decent job (considering the circumstances) in coverage, playing alongside PJ Mbanasor and Cornelius Sturghill – two guys who played minimal roles in 2019. Burns finished with 38 tackles and 1 interception in 2018, also carrying the duties as a punt returner – where he flashed his speed and athleticism. Shortly after arriving to campus as th defensive coordinator, Bryan Brown made his first major change to the defense (one of many we’d see) moving Burns from corner back to the outside linebacker position.

Brown put Burns into the “CARD” outside linebacker position, which in his scheme was a role filled by a smaller, more athletic yet powerful player. To the shock of many, Burns went from 186 pounds as a freshman to over 200-pounds and thrived in this role in 2020, making a profound impact on the defense as a pass rusher and run stopper. He led the team in tackles for loss last season and this season will be asked to take on even more responsibility in the second season under Brown.

As a redshirt senior, Burns is looking to have a great year to move on to the next level as many are beginning to see that he could be an exciting player for the 2021 NFL Draft. We saw how dangerous he could be to the Louisville defense last season with his versatility, hard-hitting ability, speed, and of course overall playmaking ability.

This year look for Burns to get more involved in coverage, an area where he should thrive, as well as in more blitz coverages on passing situations. With more depth behind him this year, Burns should be able to also play in other spots, whether that be inside or even in the secondary as a hybrid linebacker/safety.

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