Expect aggressive approach from Louisville defense

Cardinals first test comes Friday against run-heavy Georgia Tech

Louisville’s defense was a key reason for the team’s strong finish in 2022, including a dominating bowl win over rival Cincinnati. 

But that entire defensive staff, minus holdover Mark Ivey, is now gone, as are three top players now active on National Football League rosters. 

Despite a coaching change, new 4-2-5 defensive scheme and the absence of Yaya Diaby, Ke'trell Clark and Yasirr Abdullah, new coordinator Ron English and head coach Jeff Brohm sound optimistic about the defense heading into Friday’s opener against ACC rival Georgia Tech in Atlanta’s Kickoff Classic.

“I thought they were great players,” English said. “I’m excited to see these guys play. I think they’re going to play really, really hard. I think they’ve bought into everything we’re asking them to do.”