Grantham Talks Defense After First Scrimmage
August 12, 2015 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-The intensity at the University of Louisville football practices has remarkably increased as preparations are almost a week old.
For the first time this fall, head coach Bobby Petrino orchestrated the first scrimmage in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on Wednesday morning – the first day of double sessions for the Cardinals.
The first and second units battled on the game field for almost two hours, with several players standing out. Cornerback Jaire Alexander made an interception and linebackers Isaac Stewart and Keith Kelsey seemed to be all over the field.
“You saw guys take steps today,” defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said after practice. “I think the guys are working every day to improve. We are fortunate to have guys with experience and they know how to work.”
Through the first week of practice, the defense looks to be a mirror-image to what was on the field a year ago, which ended the year ranked sixth in the country, but Grantham is quick to stave off the comparisons.”
“I think we have work to do,” Grantham said. “There are things that we can improve upon. We have to continue to play the ball better down the field and we need to continue to add things. We also have to have flexibility to get the next best guy into the game. However, the biggest thing I’m proud about is the leadership of our defense that is brought to the practice field each day.”
There has been plenty of competition on the field as the Cardinals look to establish defense, heading into the match-up with No. 7 Auburn on Sept. 5.
Junior linebacker Keith Brown, who has battled injuries, has made the move to the outside linebacker spot, which has given Grantham more options to get his playmakers on the field.
“He has embraced the move very well,” Grantham said of Keith Brown. “He is a different style-style guy because of his days as a linebacker. Some of the coverage stuff comes natural to him. I’m pleased with his progress and he’s fun to coach.”
Junior linebacker Devonte’ Fields arrived on Aug, 4, and was behind, in terms of conditioning, but the former TCU standout, is working his way into the rotation.
“Fields is a guy who has worked hard,” Grantham said. “We aren’t there with him yet, but he wants to work. He has good instincts and you can see where he has made plays in the past.”
Another outside backer who has made progress has been junior Trevon Young, who has been working with the first unit. Playing in 11 games last year, Young didn’t have a lot of production to the defense, but Grantham see that changing this year.
“Trevon has been a guy who has been impressive to me,” Grantham said. “Trevon can play anywhere on the field. You can see his explosiveness, and he has made some physical-style plays in practice. He has edge-rushing ability. I’m pleased with what he has done, and I’ve been pleased with his attitude and effort. He has worked himself into position to help the team.”
Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham Addresses the media
LIVE on #Periscope: Todd Grantham https://t.co/f20EKWUwiX
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Morning Practice
Cards hit the field for first day of double sessions #CardsCamp pic.twitter.com/EczSJa5GHV
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Linebackers run through the bags during practice on Wednesday #CardsCamp pic.twitter.com/tsHW1LQxyF
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CB Jaire Alexander is someone to keep an eye out for this year as a true freshman pic.twitter.com/aNiwcQz8Yi
— LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) August 12, 2015
