Louisville football: The 25 most important players for 2020

No. 16: Yasir Abdullah – Outside linebacker

Junior

• 2019 stats: 45 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT
• 2019 BRL Ranking: Not ranked

One of the more important pieces on this 2020 defense could be a player that most fans don’t think much about, but who started the entire second half of the season for Cardinals.

Yasir Abdullah made our list as one of the most underrated players heading into this 2020 season. Here’s what we had to say.

"In 2019, Abdullah began to take form, showing that he was a perfect fit as a speedy “tweener” linebacker under Satterfield. He earned eight starts last season, posting 45 tackles, a sack, four tackles for loss, and an interception. The Louisville football linebacking core is deep next season, but Abdullah has demonstrated that he is a perfect scheme for the Cardinals, and he could become a menace- Particularly on situational pass-rushing downs."

Louisville’s linebacking core is strong up the middle with Dorian Etheridge and CJ Avery as steady veteran presences, but Abdullah deserves his share of love for the versatility and play-making ability that he brings on the edge and in pass coverage. He’s yet to play at the outside linebacker position as a full-time starter, something he should be able to do this season, but even with that being the case he’s produced.

Last season Abdullah totaled 45 tackles, and four tackles for loss, and also made several big plays to force turnovers. His impact didn’t always feel massive, but almost anytime the sophomore touched  the field he was near the ball.

Look for Abdullah to cement himself as another veteran presence in a season that should see another drastic uptick for the junior on the stats sheet. Pass-rushing is a priority for Louisville, and unlocking Abdullah’s full potential could be a huge part of producing more than they did in 2020.