Despite Holes to Fill, Grantham Pleased with Progress
April 02, 2015 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- The University of Louisville is almost half-way through spring practice, but defensive coordinator Todd Grantham likes the progress of his relatively new defense.
After losing seven starters off a top 10 defense from a year ago, Grantham has a right to be concerned with the lack to returning starters, but the cupboard isn't completely bare, with playmakers like Sheldon Rankins, Keith Kelsey and James Burgess.
"When you look at the returning guys like (Sheldon) Rankins, Pio (Vatuvei), (Keith) Kelsey and Keith Brown, they have played well for us in the past," Grantham said. "They have taken ownership in our defense and our team. They continue to work hard and push the guys."
Similar to last season when the Cardinals had to replace both starting safeties, the defense must replace its entire secondary this spring after all four starters have departed leaving the Cardinals with huge holes to fill. Cornerback Charles Gaines left early to the NFL, as did safeties Gerod Holliman and James Sample.
Two Georgia transfers in safety Josh Harvey-Clemons and cornerback Shaq Wiggins will add immediate stability in the secondary. Both played for Georgia in the SEC and are battled-tested, and the Cardinals are appreciative of their experience.
After Wednesday's practice, Grantham praised the progress of Chucky Williams, who is battling at one of the safety positions.
"I was pleased with Chucky Williams' ability to tackle in space in the first scrimmage," Grantham said. "He continues to learn the defense and has shown the ability to tackle in space. We are going to need him to keep getting better back there."
Filling the cornerback position is another priority this spring, and Trumaine Washington is someone who does have experience after playing as a true freshman a year ago. Washington got his feet wet as a rookie, and has stepped up this spring to take the reins at one spot.
"Everybody is getting better," Washington said. "We have some big shoes to fill, but everyone is working as a team to get better."
Washington continued," I'm pretty much the only cornerback that came back who played last year. Everybody is just coming in and competing."
A native of Miami, Washington has a leg up on the competition because of the opportunity to get experience in 2014.
"It helped me out a lot. It's not like I'm new to the system," Washington said. "I know the defensive playbook so it's kind of easier and it's slowed down for me. I can move faster and I know the plays sometime before the team runs them."
Grantham, despite trying to fill in with new faces, is pleased with the general direction of the defense.
"I think we are moving in the right direction," Grantham said. "You see guys working hard, coming in studying hard, and doing what they need to do to be good players."
The Cardinals will take Thursday off before returning to the practice field on Friday and Saturday to wrap up the second week of drills.
