Grantham Thrilled with Defensive Progress Headed into Spring Game
April 14, 2015 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- After 13 spring practices, University of Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is excited for the progress his defense has made over the first three weeks of spring drills.
Having to replace six starters on the nation's sixth-ranked defense from a year ago, Grantham knew it would take a little time for his defense to adjust to new personnel, but the second-year defensive coordinator likes what he sees before the team takes the field for Friday night's Red-White game at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.
"I think the guys have done a good job of studying the system and working hard to become a better player every day," Grantham said. "The only way to improve is to have preparation so I think the guys have prepared well. We still have a lot of work to do, but you still see progress with the guys."
Grantham singled out the play of his young cornerbacks after the Cardinals lost both starters to graduation and early entry into the NFL Draft. Grantham thinks his underclassmen like Jaire Alexander, who enrolled in January, and Duke Culver and Trumaine Washington, who each played a year ago, have progressed well.
"We are still trying to work those guys in to make sure they understand their craft and what they do," Grantham said. "I've been pleased with their development."
Safety Josh Harvey-Clemons, who transferred from Georgia and re-joined his former defensive coach in Grantham, has stood out this spring. At 6-foot-5, Harvey-Clemons has shined in the two scrimmages where he has registered interceptions. Harvey-Clemons was forced to sit out last season, but looks to be comfortable in Grantham's attacking defense.
"Josh is a guy who knew the system," Grantham said. "He stepped away from it for a year, but he has done a good job at becoming a leader. I know he really wants to be a good player and we're expecting him to be that kind of player for us."
The culmination of spring practice comes Friday night with the Red-White game at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, which will be the final time the Cardinals play at home until facing Houston on Sept. 12.
Grantham feels the players want to put on a great show to end the spring. "I think they are ready to do something fun," Grantham said. "Anytime you can go into Papa John's Cardinal Stadium and you have a crowd there that creates excitement and energy. We always talk about being "Showtime." It's a chance to show what you can do in front of a crowd."
The Cardinals will hold a regular game during the first half of the spring game on Friday night, with a possibility of timing being altered in the second half. It will be a great opportunity to see what the Cardinals will be about in 2015.
"It will be a good night," Grantham said. "Our guys love playing in front of our fans, so we hope everyone comes out and supports this team."
Former Cardinals Deion Branch, Marcus Smith, Renardo Foster, Amobi Okoye, Brock Bolen, Brian Brohm, Ray Buchanan, Joe Johnson, Scott Long and Mario Urrutia are scheduled to attend Friday night's festivities.
