By Dalton Ray–
The first look at a defensive unit for TLC football position breakdown, we glance at the defensive line.
New defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon said that his defense won’t necessarily have a set look. A flexible defense allows the Cardinals to match up with opposing offenses without substitution.
Shifting away from the 3-4, the new-look defense appears to be a 4-3 by looking at the depth chart. The defense will be an interesting look as the outside linebackers are converted safeties with a linebacker likely playing a stand-up end.
Expected starters: De’Asian Richardson, Drew Bailey, Trevon Young
Former outside linebacker Trevon Young is now a defensive end in the new scheme. The senior pass rusher recorded eight sacks in 2015, but missed last season with a hip injury.
A pair of seniors, Richardson and Bailey, anchor the interior line. Bailey had a breakout year in 2016 with a career-high 58 tackles with nine tackles for loss. Richardson, 6-foot-3 and 325 lbs., is a big bodied interior run defender.
The line is experienced but there isn’t much proven depth behind the starters.
Key backups
Johnathan Greenard played limited time last season as a redshirt freshman, recording 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Greenard is tabbed as a rising sophomore that gives Louisville an edge rusher off the bench.
G.G. Robinson and Derek Dorsey are interior defenders that could be pushed into action.
Photo by Nancy Hanner / The Louisville Cardinal
