Louisville football’s secondary had some holes. Jeff Brohm filled them with transfers

Quincy Riley and Tahveon Nicholson were two of only six defensive backs who had 25 or more targets but didn’t allow a touchdown, had fewer than 5 yards per target and held receivers to less than 40% completion during the 2022 season.

Two years later, they’re teammates.

Nicholson became one of seven defensive backs Louisville football added from the transfer portal during the offseason. Much like last year when Cardinals coach Jeff Brohm racked up offensive linemen and wide receivers from the portal, he targeted defensive backs and had success bringing in four cornerbacks and three safeties. They’ll make their debut when spring football begins in March.

The additions should help Louisville improve its pass defense heading into Year 2 under Brohm.

After a three-year career as a safety at Eastern Illinois, Trinity High School alum Blake Ruffin is returning to his hometown with the highest coverage grade of the transfers (88.8) but will have to adjust to the Power Five.

Tennessee defensive back Tamarion McDonald (12) celebrates on the field during a football game between Tennessee and Austin Peay at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

One of Louisville’s biggest additions was Tamarion McDonald, who previously committed to Ole Miss. Besides having SEC experience as a two-year starter for Tennessee, McDonald was ranked the No. 21 safety in the portal. He announced his commitment to Louisville shortly after teammate Wesley Walker, who started 10 games for the Volunteers last season. Walker and McDonald had the fifth- and sixth-best coverage grades on the team with a 75.0 and 74.8, respectively. The only returning Cardinals with higher coverage grades than the duo were Riley (85.3), who opted to hold off on a professional career for another year and come back to Louisville, and defensive…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/louisville-footballs-secondary-had-holes-103237541.html

Author : The Courier Journal

Publish date : 2024-02-29 10:32:37

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.