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Louisville Linebacker Momo Sanogo declares for NFL Draft

By Joshua Tipton

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 17: Linebacker Momo Sanogo #1 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts after making a sack against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first quarter of the Wasabi Fenway Bowl at Fenway Park on December 17, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 17: Linebacker Momo Sanogo #1 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts after making a sack against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first quarter of the Wasabi Fenway Bowl at Fenway Park on December 17, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
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University of Louisville Linebacker Mohamed Sanogo, known as Momo, is declaring for the NFL draft. The Ole Miss transfer came to Louisville his senior year as a graduate transfer, where he led the Cardinals in tackles and was an essential defensive leader. Not projected as a draft pick, Sanogo will have to fight for an opportunity to make an NFL roster. Working in Sanogo’s favor, he has an impressive record of overdelivering on opportunities.

LOUISVILLE, KY – OCTOBER 29: Ashton Gillotte #9 and Momo Sanogo #1 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrate during the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cardinal Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – OCTOBER 29: Ashton Gillotte #9 and Momo Sanogo #1 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrate during the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cardinal Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Sanogo finished the 2022 season with 89 tackles, four and a half sacks, and a team-leading three fumble recoveries. In conjunction with Monty Montgomery, who former coach Scott Satterfield tagged the “M & M boys,” Sanogo was the co-defensive leader in 2022.

The Cardinals will have to replace four seniors on defense. YaYa Diaby, Yasir Abdullah, Monty Montgomery, and Momo Sanogo will be graduating. Louisville will retain all non-graduating defensive starters, and none are exiting via the transfer portal. Incoming Freshman Stanquan Clark may play an essential role in 2023’s Cardinal Defense.

Freshman Stanquan Clark

Southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports wrote this of Clark,

"“A new-age linebacker that started his prep career off as a safety before eventually moving closer to the line of scrimmage. Size is unverified, but believed to be hovering right around 6-foot-1.5, 215 pounds heading into senior season. The type of defender that has a knack for just making plays, and at key moments, whether that be an interception on third down or a forced fumble when opponents are driving. Lined up primarily as an inside’ backer in a 4-3 front as a junior at Miami Killian and spent most Friday nights simply crashing the A and B gaps. Will need to eventually improve tackling technique, and must learn how to take down college-sized ball carriers, but has a bit of a mean streak to him, and isn’t afraid to lower the shoulder pads and deliver a blow.”"

Stanquan Clark chose Louisville over twenty-one other schools, including Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Kentucky, and Penn State.

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