Louisville Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Defensive Line

Starting tackles: Drew Bailey, De’Asian Richardson
Backups: Chris Williams, G.G. Robinson

The Louisville Cardinals defensive line will see a lot of different looks with new defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon. He was brought in from Mississippi State. Drew Bailey racked up 58 tackles and 9.0 tackles for loss in 2016 while De’Asian Richardson had 17 tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss.

The Cardinals have versatility on their side in 2017 so a 4-3 base defense may not necessarily be the main focus but for depth chart purposes, these are the players who will get the bulk of the snaps.

Chris Williams and G.G. Robinson may not be the only players competing for playing time either. Derek Dorsey and Caleb Tillman are two redshirt freshman who are prime to get some snaps next season.

Starting ends: Trevon Young, James Hearns
Backups: Jon Greenard, Tabarious Peterson

Trevon Young is listed as a starting defensive end despite playing linebacker most of his career. He missed all of 2016 after fracturing and dislocating his hip in the 2015 Music City Bowl against the Texas A&M Aggies.

Young’s return to the depth chart coming off a redshirt year in 2016. James Hearns is another linebacker listed at the defensive end position although his true position is linebacker. He posted 43 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks and five forced fumbles last season. The defense is set to play a 3-4 or nickel based front.

The backups are Jon Greenard and Tabarious Peterson. Greenard saw action in nine games last season as a redshirt freshman. He recorded 22 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups and an interception. Peterson is coming off a redshirt season but will see some time on the field as well.