ADVERTISEMENT

'25 DB Josh Johnson Decommits

https://www.si.com/college/louisville/football/josh-johnson-decommits

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - One of the Louisville football program's Class of 2025 commitments is instead opting to go somewhere else.

Josh Johnson, a cornerback/safety hailing from Ironton (Oh.) HS, announced Wednesday that he would be backing off of his verbal pledge to the Cardinals.

Johnson is now the third 2025 prospect to decommit from Louisville. Westerville (Oh.) North offensive lineman Jake Cook and Hammond (Ind.) Morton Senior wide receiver LeBron Hill both did so over the summer.

Johnson had been a longtime target of Louisville, being extended a scholarship offer by the Cardinals in mid-January. After that, Louisville's recruitment of him after that took off. He took an unofficial visit soon after being offered, then took an official visit in early June before committing on June 14.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound defensive back ranks as high as the No. 17 prospect in the state of Ohio and the 41 corner in the nation, according to On3. The 247Sports Composite tabs him as the No. 929 prospect in the 2025 cycle.

Taking reps primarily at cornerback but also at safety for Ironton, Johnson put together a very productive junior campaign. In 12 games tracked by MaxPreps, he logged 64 tackles, 7.0 for loss, four interceptions, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Four game into his senior season, Johnson has logged 27 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception.

Following Johnson's decommitment, Louisville is down to a 12-man class in the 2025 cycle.
  • Like
Reactions: Cardsfan62

FOOTBALL My thoughts on the loss to SMU + more

I think where I want to start is that #9 is a dude, and it's going to be a real disappointment if the best QB play we have seen here in quite some time is wasted.

Credit to Jeff Brohm and company for nailing that evaluation out of the transfer portal, locking in on their guy, and getting him despite there being lots of questions about the decision to hone in on Shough.

Along those same lines, it'd also be a real disappointment to have that type of QB and as true of a No. 1 WR as you will see around the country in Jacorey Brooks.

With that said, this just isn't the offense I expected to see with Jeff Brohm at HC. For better or worse, it's just not really in the same vein as what he ran at WKU and Purdue.

I never thought I'd have to worry about too many predictable runs on key downs and distances. The fourth down play call that we saw on the potential game-tying drive that went for a big gain to Redman is closer to what I thought we'd see consistently. Why that play wasn't brought out sooner, I wish I knew.

When it comes to personnel, there's no good explanation as to why Don Chaney had the same amount of carries as Isaac Brown. If Chaney can't get you a yard when you need it on third and fourth down, I'm not sure what purpose he serves.

Again on personnel, I just simply don't understand why Mendoza continues to get chances. We've seen all that we need to see there. I've been saying this for a couple of weeks now, where is Renato Brown? He's started at tackle and guard for three years, including last year, and now he's not good enough to play a snap?

And unless I'm missing something, it's not due to injury because he played in garbage time the first two games.

And if not Brown, go the youth route. I know the staff is high on Joe Crocker, start developing young talent at this point.

Kick Gonzalez out to tackle and try someone else at guard.

Trevonte Sylvester came in as well and played alright, but he might be the skinniest offensive lineman I've ever seen. Most of the time he wears #97 to play TE.

Defensively, the organization, communication, all of that is self explanatory. Guys were looking at the sideline as the ball was being snapped on numerous, crucial plays.

The pass rush is PUTRID. At some point, Ashton Gillotte needs to sack the QB. I don't know if it's scheme, the way they are using him, or if it's on him, but the production just isn't there.

Maybe I missed them, but I don't recall any creative blitzes, any creative stunts, or anything of those sorts to try and disrupt Jennings.

I thought last week would be a wake up call for Jeff to really get in the defensive rooms and get on some people about the operation. It's a week late at this point, but I don't have any doubt that Jeff gave English and company a stern talking to after that performance.

This is what the Cardinals need to do going forward.....

Playing in games that matter is what elevates you.


The Petrino 1.0 era was defined by those Thursday games that mattered. The primetime games we put up big points on TV. Coming close and then spanking Miami. WVU game. Rutgers game even in a loss. Dominating UK on Labor Day weekend. The Orange Bowl. People saw us in those games and we looked great. Smaller stadium, but the crowd was louder and it looked better in a sellout.

The Charlie era was really weird. Schedule was bad those years, but the one game that mattered was that Florida game and it held weight. Then it kept translating. Dominating Miami in that Bowl and then the Labor Day game to start Bobby 2.0 looked great. Then we played Jameis really close. Then the win at Notre Dame was a great way to cap the start in the ACC. Then 2016, we have the Heisman and must see tv. Gameday and a FSU blowout. The game of the year against Clemson. People were watching us and it mattered. At that point, we had stability going back to 2012 of big wins on national TV in games people and pollsters watched. We had the biggest star in the sport. We had respect, even with 1 loss we were in the playoff hunt.

That game against Houston is probably the worst game in UofL history. That moment, everyone was watching us. We get embarrassed on national TV. We then lose to Kentucky the next week on national tv with Lamar. LSU in a bowl game demolishes us. Then 2017 we essentially waste Lamar again and our time in the national spotlight ends. 2018 we collapsed. Satt's era was fine, but we just weren't in that spotlight.

Last year was a good start. The ND game last year mattered because you could match record, ranking, and a big win people saw. We still weren't in the spotlight, because the ACC isn't great and we didn't have a lot of great wins. But we had a good season. The Miami win mattered more than people know, being on ABC in a good game. But then ending the season the way we did, it just gives people some reservation. Now the ending doesn't tank your opinion, Jeff has people talking, but what it could've done was solidify us further as not just some good ACC program like NC State and Doren, but a team that can contend on a national stage.

Right now, people see us as this program with this coach everyone likes and we're just a good team that could make noise and maybe steal a bid if things go right. But winning Saturday is what moves you ahead because people will be watching. You win Saturday? Then people are really watching the Miami game and it gives us another big stage. Beat Miami or even play them close, then it creates another big matchup with Clemson.

Last year's ACC title game mattered only because of FSU, like all ACC title games it's only about one team and it's never had a truly great matchup. That's not our fault. The game having an auto-bid matters and if we're taken seriously, it makes our brand matter.

This was probably long and stupid, but we're in a place I believe we were probably around 2014-2015. Satt for all the crap he gets, we were ranked in his last year and he made us respectable, not feared or elite, but respected and consistent. Jeff took that step last year where we had the big season where people are on the lookout. Now? Do we take the 2016 step and force our way into the national discussion?
Click to expand...

Good post despite being a little long.

I thought it important to include LeFores post that indluenced my response to esatablish background to this thread. I didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle so here it is:

We got to 'Just win baby, win'' as Al Davis used to say.

As much as I hate to say this...we have to absolutely beat UK this year and reassert dominance in that series. Have to do it....beat that middling SEC team or little else matters in this state of affairs.

You have to be the best team in your own state to even get national eyeballs on you.

See Bama vs Auburn, UGA vs GT, UF vs FSU, CU vs USCjr., etc, etc. Its more than just bragging rights (which are important too) for them and for us, it is legitimacy and affirmation of who has the more prestigious program in your own state and then....in the nation. It all starts there and it always has for both UofL and UK in All Sports and especially FB..

UK's lack of success in the SEC reflects on them negatively and that stigma carries over to us...Others will say "Hell you can't even beat UK" or "well you beat a lousy SEC team so "So what". They have to get better too. The better they are the more prestige follows.

That is a reason for UofL to schedule tough and nationally ranked traditional opponents OOC and to beat them.
Not the 2 cupcakes we had this year..'.I hate you IU.'...that apparently would have been a good match up this year but those cowards bailed on us.

Having a W vs a BIG team and add ND and then the ACC schedule with both Miami and Clemson in the same year is daunting for little old UofL. Then end with the Wildcats by dominating them is what Cardinal fans dreamed about when CHS made his famous "We are on a Collison Course with a NC, the only veriable is time", bold statement. CJB is on the precipiece now....in the challenging postion to fulfill CHS ambitions for Louisville. RIght time right place.

Well, damn it, the time is now. As NIKE is famous for, "Just Do It". What say you?

All hail U of L! Go Cards!

Week 6 ACC PIC UM winner is....

Louis iii. with 7 of 9. Bragging rights go to him, with seven folks getting 6 of 9 right. Hard week fellows. Congrats and brag away Louis.

A sincere TY to all of the participants and better fortune in week 7.

My choker award goes to the Cards again his week. Shoulda, coulda, beat the Mustangs but??????
Runner up is Cal by way of the refs vs Miami. How. many close ones can the Canes win?

Biggest surprise game to me was UVA beating BC. Will the Cavs take it to the Cards this week?

Breakdown:

7 pf 9 - Louis

6 of 9 - Boone Co Cd, Push Up, cocoa, Card X, wreck#22, ajg, and CRTW

5 pf 9 - RhinoByars, CardFirst, Kowterback, AnotherCFD, cardrock, cdfn23, TRV, and mayo

4 of 9 - TPAcdFan, HaydenHarriss, Gman, WaHoo, and sccard.

3 of 9 - Rolllem (WTH)

Biggest upset was WF over NCSt.

Best games were Cuse over UNLV and Miami over Cal. for the exciting finishes.

This was a tough week for everyone but Louis it seems. Better fortune with this weeks games fellows. Just keep pic'n and grinnin

Week 6 ACC PIC UM winner is.....

Louis iii. with 7 of 9. Bragging rights go to him, with seven folks getting 6 of 9 right. Hard week fellows. Congrats and brag away Louis.

A sincere TY to all of the participants and better fortune in week 7.

My choker award goes to the Cards again his week. Shoulda, coulda, beat the Mustangs but??????
Runner up is Cal by way of the refs vs Miami. How. many close ones can they win?

Biggest surprise score to me was UVA beating BC.

Breakdown:

7 pf 9 - Louis

6 of 9 - Boone Co Cd, Push Up, cocoa, Card X, cocoa, wreck#22, ajg, and CRTW

5 pf 9 - RhinoByars, CardFirst, Kowterback, AnotherCFD, cardrock, cdfn23, TRV, and mayo

4 of 9 - TPAcdFan, HaydenHarriss, Gman, WaHoo, and sccard.

3 of 9 - Rolllem

Biggest upset was WF over NCSt.

Best games were Cuse over UNLV and Miami over Cal.

This was a tough week for everyone but Louis it seems. Better fortune with this weeks games fellows. Just keep pic'n and grinnin.
  • Like
Reactions: PushupMan

What the Cardinals need to do going forward....

Playing in games that matter is what elevates you.


The Petrino 1.0 era was defined by those Thursday games that mattered. The primetime games we put up big points on TV. Coming close and then spanking Miami. WVU game. Rutgers game even in a loss. Dominating UK on Labor Day weekend. The Orange Bowl. People saw us in those games and we looked great. Smaller stadium, but the crowd was louder and it looked better in a sellout.

The Charlie era was really weird. Schedule was bad those years, but the one game that mattered was that Florida game and it held weight. Then it kept translating. Dominating Miami in that Bowl and then the Labor Day game to start Bobby 2.0 looked great. Then we played Jameis really close. Then the win at Notre Dame was a great way to cap the start in the ACC. Then 2016, we have the Heisman and must see tv. Gameday and a FSU blowout. The game of the year against Clemson. People were watching us and it mattered. At that point, we had stability going back to 2012 of big wins on national TV in games people and pollsters watched. We had the biggest star in the sport. We had respect, even with 1 loss we were in the playoff hunt.

That game against Houston is probably the worst game in UofL history. That moment, everyone was watching us. We get embarrassed on national TV. We then lose to Kentucky the next week on national tv with Lamar. LSU in a bowl game demolishes us. Then 2017 we essentially waste Lamar again and our time in the national spotlight ends. 2018 we collapsed. Satt's era was fine, but we just weren't in that spotlight.

Last year was a good start. The ND game last year mattered because you could match record, ranking, and a big win people saw. We still weren't in the spotlight, because the ACC isn't great and we didn't have a lot of great wins. But we had a good season. The Miami win mattered more than people know, being on ABC in a good game. But then ending the season the way we did, it just gives people some reservation. Now the ending doesn't tank your opinion, Jeff has people talking, but what it could've done was solidify us further as not just some good ACC program like NC State and Doren, but a team that can contend on a national stage.

Right now, people see us as this program with this coach everyone likes and we're just a good team that could make noise and maybe steal a bid if things go right. But winning Saturday is what moves you ahead because people will be watching. You win Saturday? Then people are really watching the Miami game and it gives us another big stage. Beat Miami or even play them close, then it creates another big matchup with Clemson.

Last year's ACC title game mattered only because of FSU, like all ACC title games it's only about one team and it's never had a truly great matchup. That's not our fault. The game having an auto-bid matters and if we're taken seriously, it makes our brand matter.

This was probably long and stupid, but we're in a place I believe we were probably around 2014-2015. Satt for all the crap he gets, we were ranked in his last year and he made us respectable, not feared or elite, but respected and consistent. Jeff took that step last year where we had the big season where people are on the lookout. Now? Do we take the 2016 step and force our way into the national discussion?

Good post despite being a little long.

I thought it important to include LeFores post that indluenced my response to esatablish background to this thread. I didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle so here it is:

We got to 'Just win baby, win'' as Al Davis used to say.

As much as I hate to say this...we have to absolutely beat UK this year and reassert dominance in that series. Have to do it....beat that middling SEC team or little else matters in this state of affairs.

You have to be the best team in your own state to even get national eyeballs on you.

See Bama vs Auburn, UGA vs GT, UF vs FSU, CU vs USCjr., etc, etc. Its more than just bragging rights (which are important too) for them and for us, it is legitimacy and affirmation of who has the more prestigious program in your own state and then....in the nation. It all starts there and it always has for both UofL and UK in All Sports and especially FB..

UK's lack of success in the SEC reflects on them negatively and that stigma carries over to us...Others will say "Hell you can't even beat UK" or "well you beat a lousy SEC team so "So what". They have to get better too. The better they are the more prestige follows.

That is a reason for UofL to schedule tough and nationally ranked traditional opponents OOC and to beat them.
Not the 2 cupcakes we had this year..'.I hate you IU.'...that apparently would have been a good match up this year but those cowards bailed on us.

Having a W vs a BIG team and add ND and then the ACC schedule with both Miami and Clemson in the same year is daunting for little old UofL. Then end with the Wildcats by dominating them is what Cardinal fans dreamed about when CHS made his famous "We are on a Collison Course with a NC, the only veriable is time", bold statement. CJB is on the precipiece now....in the challenging postion to fulfill CHS ambitions for Louisville. RIght time right place.

Well, damn it, the time is now. As NIKE is famous for, "Just Do It". What say you?
  • Like
Reactions: acp1937

FOOTBALL Louisville Players Postgame - SMU

SMU vs. Louisville

Oct. 5, 2024

Postgame Quotes | Louisville Players



Tyler Shough, R-Sr., QB

(On late-game fourth down conversion attempts)


“We were just trying to power one up just like we did on the goal line with one yard to go. Have Don [Chaney], our big running back, go and get it. They just had a bunch of guys in there and it didn’t work, so they stuffed it. It’s tough. We probably could have gotten something else, but it’s kind of one of those plays where that happens. We have to do a little bit of a better job on those critical fourth down situations. We had some good plays, but in those moments like split-second decisions, blocks and catches, we have to be better.”



(On SMU’s defense)


“They’ve got really good players. Their D-line is really stout. They’ve got really good edge rushers. So, credit to them, they did a really good job. We had too many moments where we couldn’t finish. We felt like we were driving the ball really well, had some good energy and were able to put some stuff together. We just had a couple plays, like I said before, where it just didn’t go our way. We’ve got to be better as players to execute that plan. I know the coaches are saying the same thing. It’s on all of us I think, nobody’s pointing fingers - we just have to find a way to win that and it sucks.”



(On what he’s going to talk to the team about after the loss)


“Bringing everybody together as far as how we wanted the season to go. This is just one game. It’s a loss in the ACC conference, which is not great, but there’s a lot of ball left to be played and it’s about how you are going to come back. There are plenty of teams I’ve been on and teams that Coach Brohm has been on where they start kind of rocky and then you finish strong. There’s a lot of ball to be played. You never know what’s going to happen. SMU is a good football team, but we’re really a good football team too. We’ve just got to find a way to show how good we are at a consistent level throughout the entire game. We can’t just have flashes on both sides of the ball. I feel confident we’re going to do that and I’m going to everything I can to make sure the guys know that this is far from over.”



(On how the team is going to establish consistency)


“I think it’s just minor details and staying focused throughout it. A minor lack of focus on one play, hand placement, a read, a block, a catch and stuff like that is where everybody has got to be eleven in unison. I think we have to focus on that throughout practice each and every week. We’ve got to finish stronger and it’ll transfer to the gameday. There is no magic pill. There’s no magic phrase. It’s football. Sometimes that happens and we’ll make the plays when it’s there.”



T.J. Quinn, R-Jr., LB

(What was difficult early on in containing SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings)


“When it comes to mobile quarterbacks, you’ve just got to be disciplined and stay in your lane, so when you don’t do that, that’s how he gets free and breaks out.”



(On if the reversed fumble call had a deflating effect)

“I wouldn’t say it had a deflating effect. We definitely wanted that fumble call, but at the end of the day, we’ve still got to go down and get the stop.”



(On defense communication over the past two games)

“When it comes to defense, everybody has got to be on the same page. So, that’s just on us making sure everything gets communicated, preaching out, so we can go out there and do what we’re supposed to do.”
  • Like
Reactions: PushupMan

The natives are getting restless…..

We’re almost ready for the “fire Brohm” thread to start. I’ve never seen a fan base turn ugly so fast as on this board. A couple of thoughts:
  1. When a play doesn’t work, it’s not always a terrible play call. You could have the same call, have one guy on defense miss an assignment or a tackle, and suddenly it’s a brilliant call.
  2. When the other team does execute a good play, they are usually at a matchup advantage. When we “look slow” it’s usually because a LB is trying to cover a fast WR.
  3. SMU won their conference last year and returned a lot of talent from that squad. They also have an excellent head coach. This was always going to be a tough game. This whole schedule is far tougher than last year.
You guys need to step away from the ledge. We’ll be fine. Every coach can’t be Saban. Jeff will get things corrected. This isn’t just another rung on the career ladder for him.
  • Like
Reactions: vivid_red

Ty, what's the deal with Dave Lackford?

I had assumed he was let go since he never posts here, and his posts are no longer pinned to the top of the boards, but his Twitter bio still lists him as a recruiting analyst for Cardinal Sports. The main reason I ask is because, for whatever reason, all he does on Twitter is be a straight-up asshole to fans. He antagonizes and talks smack about UofL every chance he gets, so I thought it was weird. I thought he was fired, and that's why he was acting so childish online.

The guy's an adult with a law degree, and at one point, he gave out his home address so he could fight someone. It's just a weird downward spiral. I liked his presence on here when he was providing info and interacting with fans, but I assume he's butt hurt, and the new staff didn't like him/or he can't get any info out of the new staff.

@Ty Spalding

Time for a new Defensive coach?

Haven't posted since the KP disaster. Love our teams fight today. However is anyone else worried about our defense? This game reminded me of our bowl game when we were beat over and over with long plays by the other team.
Also, I really disagree with the overturn of the fumble by SMU late in the game. I think that pretty much sealed our fate. Anyway, Go Cards forever!
  • Like
Reactions: AnotherCFD

FOOTBALL PFF RECAP - LOUISVILLE VS SMU

OFFENSE

Ahmari Huggins-Bruce - 83.4
Tyler Shough - 80.7
Isaac Brown - 76.6
Jamari Johnson - 69.8
Austin Collins - 67.1
JaCorey Brooks - 66.6
Pete Nygra - 65.8
Donald Chaney Jr - 64.1
Keyjuan Brown - 62.8
Mark Redman - 62.2
Duane Martin - 61.5
Michael Gonzalez - 59.6
Cataurus Hicks - 54.3
Nate Kurisky - 54.1
Chris Bell - 54.0
Caullin Lacy - 52.4
Monroe Mills - 52.2
Trevonte Sylvester - 51.5
Jonathan Mendoza - 46.0
Rasheed Miller - 39.1
  • Like
Reactions: FromDaVille
ADVERTISEMENT

Filter

ADVERTISEMENT