Jeff Brohm has made it clear this offseason that the main issue that killed Louisville football in 2024 was their secondary and giving up big plays. The Cardinals' secondary did not play up to Brohm or Ron English's standards, and the Cardinals lost four of their best five defensive backs from last season, including All-ACC Quincy Riley.
So, with Louisville having goals of returning to the ACC Championship game, fans and experts have made it clear that it is this defense that must step up for their dreams to become a reality. Brohm went out and got multiple defensive stars from the Transfer Portal to help prevent the big plays and the ball being thrown over their heads.
And if Louisville wants to shock the world and beat Clemson, Miami, or SMU, then their transfers and their defense must step up and limit the extended plays. So, here are three Louisville football additions that will fix the main issue that killed them last season.
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3 Louisville football additions that will fix main issue that killed them last season
3. Clev Lubin
While this is a surprise to some, it actually has a massive impact on the secondary and limits big plays. The Cardinals' defensive line must provide pressure so the secondary isn't isolated for so long, and a transfer who must step up is Clev Lubin.
The Coastal Carolina transfer was one of the best edge rushers in the Transfer Portal, and when Louisville fans watch tape or look at his stats, they will understand why. Lubin is coming off a monster season in 2024, where he secured 44 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. His 9.5 sacks place No. 15 in the nation. The year before, he was even more dominant as he logged 55 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
If Louisville wants to limit big plays on the ground or in the air, Lubin must put up similar numbers and make the transition to the ACC easily. This off-season, Brohm made it clear he wanted the defense to work on limiting the ball being thrown over the secondary's head, and while the defensive backs must keep the ball in front, it is also important for the defensive line to pressure the quarterback and force him to make ill-advised throws or throw it away.
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2. JoJo Evans
The star safety from Florida International University is expected to have similar results with the Cardinals after his career season in 2024. JoJo Evans is a name who is making drastic improvements and is a player English has vocalised as someone who is taking over that leadership role.
Louisville desperately needs someone to step up at the free safety position after losing M.J. Griffin and Tamarion McDonald, and Evans is emerging as a perfect replacement as he has experience, leadership, and the skill to make the transition to ACC play. His ability to track the ball and disrupt the plays is exactly what this defense needs, and he must provide similar pressure and keep the ball in front of him like he did when he played for FIU.
Last season, Evans secured 93 total tackles, seven pass deflections, two interceptions, and forced a fumble. The Cardinals can't let Cade Klubnik and Carson Beck throw over their heads, and Evans appears to be a defensive back who will cause complete and utter havoc on the opposing team's quarterback.
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1. Rodney Johnson Jr.
The transfer who is having the biggest impact so far is cornerback transfer Rodney Johnson Jr. Brohm. After the third scrimmage, it became clear that the Cardinals' secondary is improving, and they are making improvements in not allowing the ball to be thrown over their heads, and Johnson is a big reason why.
The star cornerback from Southern University made an immediate impact for the Cardinals back in the Spring Game when he secured the only interception in the game. Since he has proven time and time again that he is poised to have a breakout season, as he did last year, and be the Cardinals' star cornerback.
Last season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Johnson logged 35 total tackles, 5.0 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, and one interception. While the jump to the ACC is going to be challenging, Brohm and English have made it clear that Johnson is trending in the right direction. Louisville fans have heard a lot about the 6-foot-2, 200-pound transfer, but now he must transition it to the games.
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For all the latest on Louisville football's offseason, stay tuned.