The Louisville football team has an All-American candidate for the 2024 season, and that player is a defensive player. I can’t imagine that would have been predicted by many fans over the last decade or so, but it’s a reality and it’s well deserved. Ashton Gillotte is one of the best players in Cards history, and he returns this year to earn a place in the record books.
Gillotte is supported by a number of experienced players who have played at UofL and other programs. The team has focused on depth on the defensive line in the offseason, building a group that will be as versatile as it is deep. Even though Mason Reiger is likely out for the season, the defensive line should be very good.
Richard Kinley will be an option behind Ashton after playing over 1,400 snaps at MTSU. Last season, he had 15 QB pressures and 4 sacks. Ramon Puryear will likely play anywhere on the defensive line, in a role that may have him playing with the starters as well. I could see him being a backup to Gillotte as well, but I’m curious to see if he’s also used as an edge rusher if Gillotte plays inside.
I believe Dez Tell will be replaced at the top of the order if it actually happens. He is entering his third straight season where the team has brought in a defensive tackle to take his place. Tell has always responded by keeping his head down and improving his play. Tell started the year with a strip sack that changed the game for the Cards. I think he will have another strong year as the anchor in the middle.
Thor Griffith is one of the defense’s best additions this year and I think he will be at the top of the rotation at worst. Griffith reportedly battled an injury this fall, so I’ll cut him some slack on his demeanor in his first few practices. He was rigid, inflexible, and just struggled to look athletic enough to play at this level. But injury can obviously be the reason for all of these concerns. If he can be the strong player he was last season, he should be able to help the run defense this year.
Depth won’t be a huge issue for the defensive line. Puryear could be the other defensive tackle to start the year, or we could see any number of different players under center. Jared Dawson has been an impact player in the past when healthy. Rene Konga looked very good in practice when I was able to attend, running with the first group on the second day.
The young players were also used well in practice. Woo Spencer was next to Konga on the second day, and Saadiq Clements also played. When you add in the guys with injury issues, the group is really strong. Jordan Guerad comes to UofL after a stellar career at FIU, where he was one of the best players at the G5 level regardless of position. If he’s healthy, I expect him to be at the top of the order. Selah Brown has battled injuries since arriving on campus, but he should be available at some point and provide depth as well.
OUTBREAKOUT CANDIDATES
Other than Gillotte, there are no impact players returning to the line for Louisville when it comes to chaos plays. Reiger would be my clear choice here, but he’s not expected to be available this year. I think Guerad is the one who will likely have a big impact this year. FIU hasn’t had a lot of talent around him the last two years, but he still put up 40 QB hurries and 49 total pressures. Even if he doesn’t get many sacks or tackles for loss, he should help in the pass rush alongside Gillotte.
