The Pinkie Previews: UofL Linebackers

 The Louisville football Cardinals are a team full of depth issues, but if I had to single out one unit with the most concerning lack of depth, linebacker would make a strong case. New linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary, one of the best in the business, has his hands full with a unit of pretty decent talent, but extremely low numbers.

The Star – Brandon Heath

When you hear Charlie Strong or defensive coordinator Vance Bedford talk about the defense, one guy who always comes up first is senior Brandon Heath. The 6-1, 220 lbs weakside linebacker from West Palm Beach, Florida has turned up his game since Strong took over. Heath was a signing day coup for the Cards in 2006, but has never done much besides show flashes of the talent that made him a highly touted recruit.

However, since the Strong era began, Heath has turned it on. From the practices I saw in the Spring and first two in August, Heath does not look like the same player. While there are a multitude of reasons for the change in him, I think the main reason is the change of attitude under the Strong regime. The players now have specific things demanded of them and I think Heath is the type of person/player who needs that.

Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford speaks highly of Heath and calls him a leader on defense. Bedford is expecting Heath to make plays for the Cards this year. We know the talent is there, Brandon just has to put it together.

Looking to Break Out – Dexter Heyman

It seems we have been waiting for Dexter Heyman for several years. The younger brother of former Cards’ star Earl Heyman has a ton of ability, but because of that, found himself somewhat in between positions the past two seasons. He moved from linebacker to defensive end, then back to linebacker. At 6-3 and just under 240 lbs, Dexter has the physical attributes you look for in a big time player. He will be starting at the Sam linebacker position this season.

Dexter, much like Brandon Heath, looked a lot better to me during Spring practice. He appears more comfortable playing linebacker because it allows him to cover more territory and in Charlie Strong’s defense, the linebackers are the ones put on the spot to make the plays. I look for Dexter to have that season we all expected when he arrived, if for no other reason he should finally get consistent playing time.

The Wild Card – Jordan Campbell

The USC transfer is currently practicing with the team, but has not yet received his clearance from the NCAA to play in games. The importance of Campbell being eligible is not so much him being a dominant defensive force, but because he will add quality depth to a position which lacks depth. Campbell can also contribute on special teams.

The best thing Campbell brings to the table is a physically ready to play body. He is coming from an elite football school, which means he’s been in an intense weight training program for the past few years. On top of that, he has a good amount of experience so the speed of the game would not be as much of a concern as it would for a junior college transfer. There’s no time-frame as to when Campbell’s situation will be resolved, but the sooner the better for Louisville.

The Darkhorse - Preston Brown

Preston is a true freshman, but you wouldn’t know it by seeing him on the practice field. This kid is 6-2, around 240 lbs and has the look of a future all conference selection. I’m not saying he will this year, or even next year, but you watch him on the field and there’s a sense you get about him that he has a chance to be special. Given the depth issues at this position, I think there’s a better than average chance Brown gets a long look for early playing time.