The Pinkie Previews: UofL Secondary

The biggest question mark for the Louisville football Cardinals, and perhaps the unit that will have the most direct impact on the success of the entire team, is the secondary. At the cornerback position, the Cards have little depth and experience outside of Johnny Patrick. There is reason for more optimism at the safety spot because there are players with experience. However, there is still a lack of depth. I believe the performance of this group will directly determine what kind of season the Cards have. Let’s take a look at some of the players.

The Star – Johnny Patrick

If there is one guy who does not really concern you in the secondary, it’s clearly Johnny Patrick. The senior from Deland, Florida started all twelve games for the Cards last year and finished third on the team in tackles in 2008. He is without question the top corner on the team and barring injury, is a lock to start every game again this year. However, that has not stopped Charlie Strong from challenging Patrick to step his game up.

Coach Strong has specifically said the seniors need to play the best football of their lives. For Johnny Patrick, he has the ability to be an All-Big East player, but will need to answer Coach Strong’s challenge to achieve that. For the Cards to be serviceable in the secondary, they need Patrick is become that All-Big East player and be that lockdown corner he can be.

Needs to Step Up – Bobby Burns

If Johnny Patrick does his job, there is still concern over who will handle responsibilities opposite him. At this point, it appears Bobby Burns has the edge. Competing with former running back Darius Ashley, Burns is listed as starting cornerback on the most updated depth chart. Bobby is a senior who came to Louisville in 2009 from Butte Community College. He started three games, but appeared in a total of ten. His edge over Ashley is obviously due to this experience. I imagine Burns will get the nod when the Cards face the Cats, but if he struggles, the coaches will not hesitate to give Darius a shot.

Don’t Forget About – Terence Simien

Many UofL fans forgot about Simien, but he showed a lot during his brief time on the field. Simien appeared in only two games last season because of a lacerated kidney he sustained in the Kentucky game. Even though he only played in two games, Simien showed a lot of promise, but the thing that stuck out most to me was he seemed to play more physical than most of his teammates. In other words, Simien was not afraid to stick his face in the fan as Steve Kragthorpe would say. I think Terence is primed for a big year at the strong safety spot.

Name to Remember – Mike Evans

Not a lot of people know about this kid, but I think this is a darkhorse candidate for breakout star on the defense. Mike Evans, a junior, is a 5-10, 180 lbs safety who played at Nevada in 2008, but his season ended after sustaining a knee injury. Prior to the injury, Evans recorded 30 tackles, including 23 of the solo variety. He rehabbed, transferred to Louisville, and with only five days to go until the season opener, is listed as starter at the free safety spot. From the people I consider knowledgeable of the UofL football program, I have yet to hear someone not use the phrase, “keep your eye on this kid” when talking about Evans.

Overall, these guys are capable, but they have to prove it on the field during games. The coaches are definitely concerned about this group. When you listen to defensive coordinator Vance Bedford and head coach Charlie Strong talk about these guys, you get the impression they won’t really have a clue what they’ve got until they line up against Kentucky. Luckily, we’re less than a week away from finding out.