2004 Cardinal Football Preview - Secondary
August 19, 2004 | Football
Aug. 19, 2004
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville boasts a solid nucleus in the secondary with three starters returning to the lineup. Senior Antoine Harris, who converted from wide receiver last season, emerged early in the season and played well in his first go round on defense. Boasting excellent speed, Harris posted 51 tackles, had six pass breakups and tied for the team lead in interceptions with three. Still learning the position, Harris will benefit from having a full spring and could be ready to emerge at this spot when fall camp begins. Sophomore William Gay received a lot of experience last season and has the potential to be a dominant corner for the Cards over the next three seasons. The native of Tallahassee, Fla., played in 11 games, including four as a starter, recording 33 tackles and one interception. Transfer Antoine Sharp, who worked out at wide receiver last year, will make the switch to corner this spring. An excellent athlete with good speed, Sharp could throw his name in the mix and add depth to this unit with a good spring. Sophomore Gavin Smart opened the season as a starter, but played mainly in nickel situations after suffering a shoulder injury that cost him his starting position. Playing in nine games, Smart recorded 17 tackles, but helped the Cardinals open the season on a positive note by returning an interception 41 yards to set up a Cardinal touchdown in a 40-24 win over Kentucky. Smart missed spring practice due to injury, but should be back at full strength this fall. Senior J.T. Haskins is a valuable special teams player, but also filled in on nickel and dime situations a year ago. Red-shirt freshman Early McCray is also someone to keep an eye on this spring. A talented youngster from Douglas, Ga., McCray is an intriguing prospect and has the potential to step right in and be a very solid cover cornerback. Senior Domonique Dunbar is an experienced player and could fill in in certain nickel and dime situations. Rod Council, who signed with the Cardinals in August, is an excellent corner and could be a welcome addition to this already talented unit. Safety was a big question mark for the Cardinals heading into the 2003 season with youth and experience fogging up the picture. In 2004, this group looks to be pretty solid with both starters returning and a key player returning from an injury. Senior Brent Johnson emerged last season, leading the club in tackles with a career-best 116 stops. A hard hitter, Johnson closed the year in impressive fashion, averaging 14 tackles in the last four games, including 14 in the loss to Miami. Johnson was also third on the team with eight tackles for loss and also added four pass breakups. Red-shirt freshman Jonathan Russell showed good speed and toughness at strong safety and can add much-needed depth this fall. Senior Kerry Rhodes posted a career-high 82 tackles in his first season as a starter. Rhodes recorded three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Rhodes, at 6-3, is a big target in the secondary and had a solid year.
