LOUISVILLE, KY: Despite head coach Jeff Brohm’s reputation as an offensive-minded coach, Louisville’s football team was led by an exceptionally potent and effective defense last season. The Cardinals had the No. 16 overall defense and the No. 20 scoring defense in the FBS going into the ACC Championship Game.
Having said that, there were some drawbacks. Their secondary wasn’t very consistent toward the end of the season and was inconsistent at times. As a matter of fact, Louisville allowed 300 passing yards or more in three of their final five games of the season, including a season-high 372 in their Holiday Bowl loss to USC (42–28).
In light of this, Louisville acted decisively when utilizing the transfer site. The secondary was one of their primary areas of attention in the portal, among other roles. Three cornerbacks and four other transfer defensive backs have been added to the Cardinals’ 2024 roster as of this writing.
Though they have only been on campus for just more than two months, Louisville’s three new transfer cornerbacks have already made an impression on the coaching staff.
Co-defensive coordinator Ron English responded, “I like all three (transfer) corners,” when asked which newcomers have made the biggest impressions since joining the team. “Those guys really are dudes. Those people are fit to play. They are guys. These guys are just guys.
“Okay, these are real dudes,” I thought after seeing the tape. We’re as good at that position at a school I’ve been at for a long time, but watching them in person makes me realize that they don’t back down from contact and that they are competitive. Though anything can happen, I’m only stating that that position is actual as of right now.”
The three cornerbacks in question are Tayon Holloway of UNC, Corey Thornton of UCF, and Tahveon Nicholson of Illinois. Each of the three corners has already made a name for themselves as a strong defensive back.
After two seasons as a consistent member of the Illini secondary, Nicholson is returning off his most successful collegiate season. taking part in every regular season game
