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Way-too-early Louisville football depth chart preview: Defensive line

By Presley Meyer

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 22: Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers throws a pass as Ryan Nelson #54 blocks Tabarius Peterson #98 of the Louisville Cardinals in the first half during a game at Scott Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 22: Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers throws a pass as Ryan Nelson #54 blocks Tabarius Peterson #98 of the Louisville Cardinals in the first half during a game at Scott Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 09: Dayna Kinnaird #57 of the Louisville football program 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 football program 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) /

Louisville football: Depth/competing for a starting point

DE- Dayna Kinnaird, RS Jr.

DT- Henry Bryant, Fr.

DE- Ja’Darien Boykin, Fr.

Again, this Louisville football defensive line is the position with the most intriguing depth. That’s why, although these players are listed as the “depth,” any one of these players could surface as a starter.

Outside of Peterson, the defensive end returning with the most experience is Dayna Kinnaird. After walking on and taking a redshirt in 2017, Kinnaird didn’t see the field during his first season of eligibility. However, the coaching staff saw a lot of potential in Kinnaird, as they did with other walk-on’s, and placed him on scholarship in the spring of 2019. He rewarded their decision by appearing in 12 games and recording nine tackles and 1.5 sacks. If there is a player who is going to earn a starting spot based on experience and knowledge of the system, perhaps the Jeffersonville native gets a shot.

Another end that is generating a ton of buzz entering the season is true freshman Ja’Darien Boykin. A four-star out of high school, Boykin was the highest-rated player in the class of 2019 for the Cardinals. Unfortunately, Boykin did not qualify last season, but he stuck around, got his grades in order, and is expected to be a serious contributor this season.

At 6’0,” 250-pounds, Boykin is a freakish specimen who has only built on his college-ready body during his year away from the field. Now, he becomes Louisville’s only true pass-rushing specialist.

He should be a fun time for opposing quarterbacks.

If pressed to name the starter at the second defensive end position, based on experience and versatility, it’s probably Diaby. However, it would not be surprising at all to see Boykin grab a hold of that position and start wreaking havoc from day one.

Up the middle, Goldwire has a pretty firm grasp on that starting spot. But right behind him, there are three extremely talented defensive tackles ready to see the field.

The name that we’ve heard the most so far is true freshman Henry Bryant. At 5’11,” 275, Bryant is a wrecking ball capable of seeing the field as a rotational player who can do a lot of things well, especially on run defense.

No freshman has been mentioned more by the staff than Bryant thus far, and he should benefit from getting to campus early to work in spring practice.

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