Photo by: Rachel Klotz | Louisville Athletics
Steve Ellis Excited About Working in a New Secondary
August 01, 2025 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville defensive back coach Steve Ellis needed to look a roster when he started fall camp on Wednesday.
The third-year coach didn't recognize most of the players in his room, as the Cardinals had to replace their entire secondary from the 2024 season.Â
Quincy Riley, a fourth-round selection by the New Orleans Saints, and Corey Thornton, who signed a free-agent contract, were two starters last season and were highly productive. With both players headed to the next level, Ellis had to look to a new crop of defensive backs, especially at the cornerback position.
Jabari Mack, a standout from Jacksonville State, and Rodney Johnson from Southern are the front runners to be the starters there this season after just two days of fall camp.
"I'm really excited about both of these guys,"Ellis said. "I'm really excited about Rodney, You know he's like 26 year," Ellis said with a smile. "But he's done a great job through spring and fall camp. He's really serious about football. Jabari is someone else I'm excited about. He brings a ton of experience to this unit."
Johnson arrived in the spring, and began to immediately put his stamp on the secondary with his hard work and attention to detail.
"We're coming out with a lot of intensity," Johnson said. "We're practicing in the morning so it's a little different than the spring. But we're still bringing that energy and playing with a lot of intensity.
Mack echoed his new teammates stance on the beginning of practice.
"It's been a smooth transition" Mack said. "Honestly, it's just everybody taking reps every day and paying attention in the film room. Coach Ellis has made it an easy transition for us and we've enjoyed competing."
Ellis also raved about walk-on Jaden Minkins from Louisville. He appeared in 10 games last season and looks to fill a larger role this season.Â
"Jaden has a chance to be in the rotation with these guys," Ellis said. "He has a chance to be in the room the last couple of years. He's kind of one of the unsung heroes of the group and is someone I'm excited about."
Antonio Harris, a true freshman from Male, is someone else Ellis is looking forward to seeing get out on the field this season.
"I love Antonio," Ellis said. "He has tremendous bloodlines. His dad played here. Mom is a principal. His DNA is Louisville football."
The Cardinals also bring back Tayon Holloway from last season's team. He played 10 games in 2024, recording 16 tackles, but might have made the play of the season when he blocked a field goal and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown that broke open Louisville's 31-19 win over Georgia Tech.
"I'm excited to have Tayon back on this team," Ellis said. "I'm glad he's back. He did everything we asked of him. He brings a ton of experience to that room and I'm looking forward to seeing him back out there again."
With the entire secondary being new, all jobs are wide open, and Ellis knows his group is hungry to make an impact in the secondary in 2025.
"It's one of those deals. It's four dogs with only two bones. You are bringing in a number of transfers for two starting jobs. Everybody is fighting for those jobs. It's an extremely competitive room. They're all rising to the level of each other."
The Cards return to the practice field at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday morning.
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The third-year coach didn't recognize most of the players in his room, as the Cardinals had to replace their entire secondary from the 2024 season.Â
Quincy Riley, a fourth-round selection by the New Orleans Saints, and Corey Thornton, who signed a free-agent contract, were two starters last season and were highly productive. With both players headed to the next level, Ellis had to look to a new crop of defensive backs, especially at the cornerback position.
Jabari Mack, a standout from Jacksonville State, and Rodney Johnson from Southern are the front runners to be the starters there this season after just two days of fall camp.
"I'm really excited about both of these guys,"Ellis said. "I'm really excited about Rodney, You know he's like 26 year," Ellis said with a smile. "But he's done a great job through spring and fall camp. He's really serious about football. Jabari is someone else I'm excited about. He brings a ton of experience to this unit."
Johnson arrived in the spring, and began to immediately put his stamp on the secondary with his hard work and attention to detail.
"We're coming out with a lot of intensity," Johnson said. "We're practicing in the morning so it's a little different than the spring. But we're still bringing that energy and playing with a lot of intensity.
Mack echoed his new teammates stance on the beginning of practice.
"It's been a smooth transition" Mack said. "Honestly, it's just everybody taking reps every day and paying attention in the film room. Coach Ellis has made it an easy transition for us and we've enjoyed competing."
Ellis also raved about walk-on Jaden Minkins from Louisville. He appeared in 10 games last season and looks to fill a larger role this season.Â
"Jaden has a chance to be in the rotation with these guys," Ellis said. "He has a chance to be in the room the last couple of years. He's kind of one of the unsung heroes of the group and is someone I'm excited about."
Antonio Harris, a true freshman from Male, is someone else Ellis is looking forward to seeing get out on the field this season.
"I love Antonio," Ellis said. "He has tremendous bloodlines. His dad played here. Mom is a principal. His DNA is Louisville football."
The Cardinals also bring back Tayon Holloway from last season's team. He played 10 games in 2024, recording 16 tackles, but might have made the play of the season when he blocked a field goal and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown that broke open Louisville's 31-19 win over Georgia Tech.
"I'm excited to have Tayon back on this team," Ellis said. "I'm glad he's back. He did everything we asked of him. He brings a ton of experience to that room and I'm looking forward to seeing him back out there again."
With the entire secondary being new, all jobs are wide open, and Ellis knows his group is hungry to make an impact in the secondary in 2025.
"It's one of those deals. It's four dogs with only two bones. You are bringing in a number of transfers for two starting jobs. Everybody is fighting for those jobs. It's an extremely competitive room. They're all rising to the level of each other."
The Cards return to the practice field at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday morning.
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