Louisville will be without several key players when spring practice opens later this month, and several others are questionable.
Here is a list of players who are out:
FB Luke Brohm
LB Tyon Dixon
DT Roy Philon
Questionable
LB Mike Addesa
OL Aaron Epps
LB Leroy Kelson
TE Zeke Pike
DE Marcus Smith
OL Josh Stearns
Johnson, Mount, Philon, Perry and Smith all started games last season. Given the players on the shelf along the defensive line, the depth chart features freshman Finesse Middleton running with the first team at one defensive end position. Middleton enrolled in January, so he has a huge opportunity in front of him this spring.
But what sticks out is the depth at this position. Though Mount, Philon and Smith are out, the Cardinals can rely on veterans like Brandon Dunn and Lorenzo Mauldin, who also have started for the Cardinals. During a news conference with reporters in Louisville on Thursday, defensive coordinator Vance Bedford praised the depth he has up front, perhaps for the first time in his tenure. The position that depth needs to be built is at cornerback.
Terrell Floyd is penciled in to take over for Adrian Bushell at cornerback.
Among the other depth chart notables:
Dominique Brown is listed as the first-team running back. With Perry out and Jeremy Wright gone, this is a huge opportunity for the converted quarterback, who redshirted last season.
Florida transfer Gerald Christian is listed No. 1 at tight end. Christian had to sit out last year because of NCAA transfer rules but early reports from observers in Louisville say Christian is poised for a breakout year.
B.J. Butler and Jalen Harrington remain at fullback, with Butler listed No. 1. Both moved over from defense last season.
Redshirt freshman Will Gardner is listed as the backup to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The backup spot is definitely an area that needs to be developed, as veteran Will Stein is gone.
