Louisville Cardinals Football: Grading the Defense in 2011

The Louisville Cardinals finished the 2010 season 7-6 with a win over Southern Mississippi University in the prestigious Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl.

Here, I will go through position by position and grade each unit of the defense.

From the linemen to the defensive backs, each unit is equally important in assuring a successful 2011 campaign.

Overall Defense: B-

Compared to how bad the offense will look in 2011, Louisville’s defense should be the far superior unit.

The offense will struggle and, for that reason, the defense has to step up and carry the team.

With seven returning starters and a solid front seven, this defense should better in 2011 than 2010. 

Defensive Line: B-

The D-line is one of the better units for the entire Cardinal’s team.

Three of four starters return, including senior pass rusher Greg Scruggs.

With experience upfront, the Cardinals should look good in the trenches.

However, it will be difficult to replace Malcolm Tatum this season.

Linebackers: C+

The Cardinals are not very strong linebacker this upcoming season.

The key returners are Daniel Brown and Dexter Hayman.

They return two of three starters, but have major questions as to who will take the other starting spot.

Summer camp will need to smooth out this unit.

Defensive Backs: B-

Last year’s leader in interceptions, Johnny Patrick (five), is gone and both corner spots will need to be filled.

The bright spot that elevates this unit slightly is Hakeem Smith. Smith will need to step up from an impressive freshman year and have an even better sophomore campaign. 

The defensive backs are a solid unit, but nothing to go crazy over.