By En Lampkin
Any talk about the U of L defense begins and ends with the Cardinals’ All-American and Lombardi Trophy candidate, junior defensive end Dewayne White. Last season was White’s breakout year as he improved dramatically over an impressive freshman campaign. White ranked second nationally with 15 sacks, in addition to finishing with a school-record 23 tackles for loss and 86 tackles to lead all C-USA defensive linemen. This season will see an increase in double and perhaps triple-teams on White, as teams key in on the one player they feel cannot consistently beat them.
“I think I’m gonna probably see some double teams cause people know about me and what I can do, but I’m not gonna let that deter me from my production,” said White. “This is a team game, they stop one person and the other person’s gonna have to step up.”
At the other defensive end position stands senior Devon Thomas. After earning the starting job over incumbent Michael Josiah during the early stages of last season, Thomas held the spot with solid play and looks to have a fine season opposite White. With double-teams on the other side, look for Thomas to reap the benefits.
The tackle positions will be manned by sophomore Bobby Leffew and junior Scott Lopez. Leffew earned both Conference USA and Sporting News All-Freshman honors last season, notching 11 tackles for loss and five sacks during the regular season, as well as 38 tackles (30 solo). Lopez started all 13 games during 2001 and will be one of the Cards’ best run-stoppers in the middle.
In fall drills, all three teams of defense have looked strong, so injuries should not open many holes in the line. Other players who could play key roles this season are Keeshan Lowe, Montavious Stanley, Tyrone Saterfield and Chad Pinkston.
