< Previous2020 SEASON OUTLOOK n Wide Receivers The Cardinals were committed to running the football, but when the football went into the air, a number of players were there to make big plays. One of the top big play receivers in the country is Tutu Atwell, who finished second nationally in yards per reception (18.4) for receivers with 70 or catches. The Miami, Fla., native caught 70 passes for a school record 1,276 yards and tied a school mark with 12 touchdowns receptions. The first team All-American recorded seven 100-yard receiving games and led the country with four receiving plays of over 70 yards, includ- ing a 90-yard touchdown catch. Atwell earned first team All-ACC honors after leading the league in receiving yards and was second with those 12 scoring recep- tions. He closed the year with nine recep- tions for 147 yards in the Music City Bowl win over Mississippi State. The most experienced player in the group is Dez Fitzpatrick, who has recorded 106 receptions for 1,756 yards and 18 receptions during his career. He is coming off a season where he caught 35 passes for 635 yards, an average of 18.1 yards per reception. Justin Marshall has seen the field in cer- tain formations, but has only caught four passes for 99 yards in his career, but will need to increase his production this season. Reserves Tyler Harrell and Josh Johnson will need to step in and provide depth. Corey Reed transferred back to Louisville in the spring after he began his career with the Cardinals in 2017. The Cardinals signed four wide receivers in the winter, which has helped bolster this group. Two of those recruits joined the Cardinlas in the spring in Braden Smith and Christian Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of Dez Fitz- patrick. An All-Conference performer at Missis- sippi Community College, Smith totaled 92 receptions for 1,261 yards and 18 touch- downs, while Fitzpatrick added 33 recep- tions for 611 yards and 10 touchdowns dur- ing his final season in high school. Jordan Watkins and Nicholas Malito are two talented prospects who will join the team in the summer. n Offensive Line Losing first-round draft choice Mekhi Bec- ton will be a big loss, but there is no one better to bring an offensive line together than offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford. The second-year coach is widely considered one of the best in the country after producing a first-round pick for the second-straight season. Becton, a first team All-ACC performer and second-team All-American, was the No. 11 pick by the New York Jets and will leave a big hole on the line. The Cardinals have a trio of seniors to bol- ster this unit in Robbie Bell, Caleb Chandler, and Cole Bentley. Bell and Chandler started all 13 games at each of the guard positions, while Bentley rotated at the center spot. Bell owns 26 starts in his career, while Chandler owns 16, and Bentley has contributed another 12. Adonis Boone stepped in last season with Becton out of the lineup and is a solid replacement. He started two games for the Cardinals, with the team averaging 36.0 per game with him as the starter in wins over NC State and Mississippi State. Renato Brown redshirted last season, but earned game experience by playing in the four games allowable by the NCAA. Jackson Gregory, Josh Black, and Zach Williamson also redshirted in 2019, but are hard workers who will compete for playing time this season. The Cardinals added another veteran to the group with the addition of graduate transfer Cameron DeGeorge, who played three seasons at Connecticut. A 6-4, 290- pound offensive guard from Lynnfield, Mass., DeGeorge played in 36 games for the Huskies, including 33 as a starter. Seeing a need at this position, the Car- dinals bolstered this unit with the addition of five players during the signing period, including Kobe Baynes and Timothy Lawson, who enrolled in January. Luke Kandra, Austin Collins, and Trevor Reid will join the Cardinals this summer. n Defense The influence and stability of defen- sive coordinator Bryan Brown helped the Cardinals improve defensively last season, improving by over 10 points per game and displaying the ability to play at a high level. The Cardinals return eight starters on that side of the ball, including linebacker C.J. Avery, who led the team with 93 tackles, and linebacker Dorian Etheridge, who enters his fourth year as a starter. n Defensive Line No position group on the roster has more questions that need answering than the defensive line, which lost a number of key performers from last season. Jared Goldwire had an impressive spring and has emerged as a leader at the defen- sive tackle position. The Washington native recorded 22 tackles and a pair of sacks last season in 13 games. Derek Dorsey is begin- ning his final season and will be counted on to add depth on the line. Ramon Puryear and Zach Edwards redshirted last season, but will 2020 LO UIS VILLE C ARDIN ALS F OO TB ALL 2020 Season38 Dorian Etheridge2020 LO UIS VILLE C ARDIN ALS F OO TB ALL gocards.com 2020 SEASON OUTLOOK 39 see an expanded roles in the fall. Newcomer Henry Bryant was a highly recruited player who joined the program in the spring. The 5-foot-11 tackle was rated the No. 95 player in the Sunshine State before enrolling in January. At the defensive end spot, the Cardinals return veterans Tabarius Peterson, Dayna Kinnaird, and Malik Clark. Peterson is the most experienced in the group, coming off a year where he registered 24 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Kinnaird, who was awarded a scholarship in the spring, responded with nine tackles and 1.5 sacks. Clark receiving his most extensive playing time added 11 tackles and 3.0 tackles. Ja’Darien Boykin, who enrolled in Janu- ary, is a physical specimen and will be worked into the lineup this fall. n Linebackers Dorian Etheridge has been a staple in the Louisville defense for the last three seasons, recording 208 tackles during his career. A three-year starter, Etheridge registered 70 tackles last season in 13 contests a year ago. C.J. Avery, the team’s leading tackler last season, recorded 93 tackles, including a season 13 in a win over Wake Forest. Monty Montgomery led the team in sacks last year with 5.0 and will be a major contributor again in the middle. Robert Hicks will also look for a larger role this season. The Cardinals are strong on the outside with the return of starters Rodjay Burns and Yasir Abdullah. A native of Louisville, Ky., Burns returns as the team’s second-leading tackler with 83 and a team best 11.0 tackles for loss. Abdullah, in his first year as a starter, recorded a career high 45 tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss. Nick Okeke saw extensive action on the outside last season, finishing with 24 tackles and one sack. Thurman Geathers was a sta- ple on special teams and saw limited action on defense, while P.J. Blue will work his way back after a season-ending injury. Dorian Jones and Allen Smith are a pair of redshirts, who will have an opportunity to compete for playing time. January enrollees Marvin Dallas, Zay Peterson, and Kameron Wilson are three rookies who are talented enough to see play- ing time this season. n Secondary The Cardinals lost only one starter in the secondary from last season so the competi- tion will be fierce this fall. Chandler Jones, Marlon Character, and Anthony Johnson each started games last fall at corner. Jones started all 13 games and was the top tackler at the cornerback position with 50 tackles and led the squad with 10 pass break-ups. Character added 30 stops, while Johnson contributed with 27 tackles and one pick. Marqui Lowery and Jamel Starks each participated in spring practice to get a leg up in the race for playing time, while Greedy Vance is another talented newcomer who will get an opportunity. At safety, Khane Pass was the lone starter not returning, but it’s a key loss after register- ing 80 tackles. Russ Yeast is the most experienced player returning at safety, but is coming off a serious leg injury. The former cornerback recorded 61 tackles and an interception in his first sea- son at safety, while graduate transfer Isaiah Hayes filled in for Yeast in the last two games last season. A former walk-on, Jack Fagot stepped in last season and added 23 tackles and an interception. Telly Plummer and Trenell Troutman are also two veterans who will give the Cardinals depth in the secondary. Newcomers Lovie Jenkins and Josh Minkins have the potential to earn playing time in the fall. n Special Teams The Cardinals lost a pair of excellent special teams performers in kicker Blanton Creque and punter Mason King, which leaves a major void in two critical positions. Incoming freshman Brock Travelstead enrolled in January and showed that he’s ready to compete for both positions. The Georgia native was the sixth-rated kicker nationally and handled both chores at North Paulding High. He went 28-for-35 on field goals and 128-for-130 on PAT’s during his scholastic career. Ryan Chalifoux took over last season as the team’s placekicker, going 1-for-3 on field goal attempts, while James Turner handled the kickoff duties late in the season. He will also earn an opportunity to compete for the starting punter position. Mitch Hall begins his fourth season as the team’s starting long snapper, handling that position without any miscues. Hassan Hall has become one of the top kick returners in school history, averaging 26.9 yards per return during his career and owns two touchdown returns. The Atlanta, Ga., native finished fourth nationally with an average of 30.5 yards a return. Burns has been the team’s punter return the last two years, averaging 12.0 yards a return. Atwell and Braden Smith are two can- didates who could also fill the role if needed. Chandler Jones2020 DEPTH CHART 2020 LO UIS VILLE C ARDIN ALS F OO TB ALL 2020 Season40 nOffense QB 3 Malik Cunningham (6-1, 195, R-JR) 4 Jawon Pass (6-4, 239, R-SR) RB 10 Javian Hawkins (5-9, 196, R-SO) 19 Hassan Hall (6-0, 204, JR) LT 74 Adonis Boone (6-5, 310, JR) 70 Trevor Reid (6-5, 285, JR) LG 55 Caleb Chandler (6-4, 310, R-JR) 67 Luke Kandra (6-4, 292, FR) C 66 Cole Bentley (6-3, 314, SR) 71 Joshua Black (6-2, 280, R-FR) RG 75 Robbie Bell (6-5, 294, R-SR) 78 Jackson Gregory (6-2, 290, R-FR) 77 Kobe Baynes (6-4, 306, FR) RT 56 Renato Brown (6-4, 330, R-FR) 79 Cameron DeGeorge (6-4, 290, SR) 63 Zach Williamson (6-6, 290, R-FR) WR 1 Tutu Atwell (5-9, 165, JR) 81 Braden Smith (5-10, 192, SO) 85 Nicholas Malito (6-1, 190, FR) WR 7 Dez Fitzpatrick (6-2, 210, R-SR) 86 Corey Reed (6-3, 210, JR) 89 Christian Fitzpatrick (6-4, 215, FR) WR 18 Justin Marshall (6-3, 213, R-JR) 87 Tyler Harrell (6-0, 194, R-SO) 80 Jordan Watkins (5-11, 174, FR) TE 83 Marshon Ford (6-2, 240, SO) or 14 Ean Pfiefer (6-4, 255, GR) 41 Isaac Martin (6-1, 250, R-JR) nDefense DE 57 Dayna Kinnaird (6-3, 270, R-JR) 91 Derek Dorsey (6-3, 275, R-SR) or 41 Ramon Puryear (6-3, 255, R-FR) NT 90 Jared Goldwire (6-6, 305, SR) 92 Malik Clark (6-2, 290, R-JR) or 8 Henry Bryant (5-11, 275, FR) DE 29 Tabarius Peterson (6-3, 260, R-SR) 98 Ja’Darien Boykin (6-0, 250, FR) or 6 Yaya Diaby (6-4, 255, JR) OLB 22 Yasir Abdullah (6-1, 225, JR) 11 Nick Okeke (6-3, 240, R-JR) 95 Thurman Geathers (6-3, 230, R-SO) WLB 9 C.J. Avery (5-11, 230, SR) 7 Monty Montgomery (5-11, 225, JR) MLB 17 Dorian Etheridge (6-3, 230, SR) 5 Robert Hicks (6-1, 235, JR) 44 Dorian Jones (6-0, 230, R-FR) OLB 10 Rodjay Burns (6-0, 215, R-SR) 14 Marvin Dallas (6-1, 195, JR) CB 27 Anthony Johnson (6-1, 206, R-JR) or 12 Marlon Character (6-1, 195, SR) SS 3 Russ Yeast (5-11, 205, SR) 1 Lovie Jenkins (6-1, 195, FR) FS 33 Isaiah Hayes (6-1, 208, SR) 38 Jack Fagot (6-0, 195, R-JR) CB 2 Chandler Jones (5-10, 186, JR) 32 Marqui Lowery (6-0, 168, FR) or 21 Greedy Vance (5-10, 155, FR) nSpecial Teams PK 32 James Turner (6-0, 196, SO) 40 Brock Travelstead (6-1, 214, FR) LS 52 Mitch Hall (6-1, 203, SR) 38 Drew Brenowitz (5-10, 215, SO) H 6 Evan Conley (6-2, 210, SO) P 40 Brock Travelstead (6-1, 214, FR) 49 Ryan Harwell (6-2, 190, JR) RB 19 Hassan Hall (6-0, 204, JR) 10 Javian Hawkins (5-9, 196, R-SO) PR 10 Rodjay Burns (6-0, 215, R-SR) 1 Tutu Atwell (5-9, 165, JR) Yasir Abdullah Ya-sear Kobe Baynes Ko-BEE Rodjay Burns Ra-jay Ryan Chalifoux CHAL-a-foo Yaya Diaby Dee-ya-bee Jack Fagot FA-go Luke Kandra CAN-dra Nicholas Malito Ma-Lee-TO Nick Okeke Oh-KEY-key Ean Pfiefer FYE-fur Brock Travelstead TRA-vul-stead Player ‘16 ’17 ‘18 ‘19 Tot Dorian Etheridge - -13 10 12 35 Robbie Bell - 13 0 13 26 Dez Fitzpatrick - 7 6 12 25 Tabarius Peterson - - 9 13 22 Cole Bentley - 3 12 7 22 Rodjay Burns - - 9 12 21 C.J. Avery - 1 7 13 21 Russ Yeast - 7 0 11 18 Chandler Jones - - 5 13 18 Micale Cunningham - - 3 11 14 Marshon Ford - - - 13 13 Chandler Jones - - 0 13 13 TuTu Atwell - - 2 10 12 Javian Hawkins - - - 12 12 Jawon Pass - 0 9 2 11 Yasir Abdullah - - 0 8 8 Derek Dorsey - - 8 0 8 Nick Okeke - - 5 2 7 Jared Goldwire - - - 6 6 Hassan Hall - - 4 1 5 Anthony Johnson - - 2 3 5 P.J. Blue - - - 3 3 Caleb Chandler - - - 3 3 Ean Pfeifer - - - 3 3 Marlon Character - - 0 2 2 Robert Hicks - - - 2 2 Adonis Boone - - - 2 2 Isaiah Hayes - - - 2 2 Dayna Kinnaird - - - 1 1 Pronunciation Guide Start Chart41 C.J. Avery n Fourth team All-ACC Phil Steele n Academic All-ACC Tutu Atwell n First team All-ACC n PFF First Team All-American Mekhi Becton n Jacobs Blocking Trophy Winner n First team All-ACC n Second team All-American by Sports Illustrated n ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week (10/7) n Second team All-American Sporting News n Fourth team All-American Athlon’s n First team All-ACC Phil Steele n Outland Trophy Watch List Robbie Bell n Academic All-ACC Evan Conley n ACC Rookie of the Week (Oct. 14) n ACC Quarterback of the Week (Oct. 14) n Davey O’Brien Award Great Eight (Oct. 14) n Manning Award Stars of the Week (Oct. 14) Blanton Creque n ACC Special Teams Player of the Week (10/7) Seth Dawkins n ACC Receiver of the Week (10/7) n Academic All-ACC Dez Fitzpatrick n Fourth team All-ACC Phil Steele Hassan Hall n Second Team All-ACC (All-Purpose) n Third Team All-ACC (Specialist) n Fourth team All-ACC Phil Steele n ACC Special Teams Player of the Week (Oct. 14) Javian Hawkins n FWAA Freshman All-American n Freshman All-American by The Athletic n Second team All-ACC n ACC Back and Rookie of Week (11/25) n ACC Back of the Week (10/7) n FWAA Fr. All-American Midseason Watch List n ACC Rookie of the Week (Oct. 28) Mason King n Academic All-ACC Khane Pass n Academic All-ACC Ean Pfeifer n CoSIDA Academic All-District n CoSIDA Second team Academic All-American 2020 LO UIS VILLE C ARDIN ALS F OO TB ALL 41gocards.com 2019 HONORS Mekhi Becton was named the school’s first recipient of the ACC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy. Hassan Hall was a second team All-ACC performer and a third teamer as a returner.2020 Coaching Staff43 In his seven years as a head coach, Scott Satterfield has illustrated throughout his ca- reer that he’s a winner. That’s evident by the last five seasons where Satterfield has guided his teams to 48 wins and three conference titles, which ranks seventh best nationally among active coaches. Named the 23rd head football coach at Louisville on Dec. 4, 2018, Satterfield not only changed the culture of the program, but he also trans- formed the Cardinals into an immediate threat for years to come in the ACC race. Satterfield’s six-game turnaround in his first season at Louisville was tops among Power 5 programs. He also became only the second ACC coach to take a win- less team in the league and win five games the following year. He was named the school’s first ACC Coach of the Year for his efforts, and became only the school’s second first-year coach to win eight or more games. Taking over a team that won two games the previous year, Satterfield led the Cardinals to an 8-5 record that culminated with a win over Mississippi State in the Music City Bowl. The 2019 campaign saw many milestones with Satter- field leading the way. On the field, the Cardinals snapped a nine-game league losing streak with a win over Boston College and won on the road versus a ranked opponent for the first time since 2011 with a 62-59 win over Boston College. Known as one of the nation’s top offensive minds, Satterfield’s presence saw the Cardinals go from being one of the worst offensive teams in the nation to ranking 24th in both total offense and rushing offense. Individually, a pair of Cardinals posted the best statistical seasons in school history in running back Javian Hawkins and wide receiver Tutu Atwell. The duo became only the third players to record 1,000-yard rushing and receiving seasons in the same year. Hawkins broke the school record for rushing yards by a running back and a freshman in school history with 1,525 yards, which included eight 100-yard rushing games. Atwell set the school record for receiving yards in a year with 1,276 yards and equaled the school mark with 12 touchdown receptions. The 5-foot-9 speedster led the ACC in receiving yards and was second in touchdown receptions as a sophomore. He totaled seven 100-yard receiving games and av- eraged a solid 18.2 yards a reception. Before accepting the Louisville job, Satterfield built Appalachian State into a powerhouse. He guided his teams to three consecutive Sun Belt Conference championships and a remarkable 51-24 record with the Mountaineers, including a 38-10 conference mark in six seasons. His conference record of 34-6 in five Sun Belt seasons is the best in the league over that span. Notably, he became the first coach to lead a school from the FCS level to FBS and immediately earn three-consecutive bowl wins. In the Mountaineers’ short time in the FBS era, Satterfield directed Appalachian State to three-straight conference titles and led the program to four straight bowl appearances. Hosting the first Sun Belt Confer- ence Championship Game in league history, Appalachian State won 30-19 against Louisiana to claim its third straight league title and earn an auto- matic bid to face Middle Tennessee of Conference USA in the R+L Car- riers New Orleans Bowl. In 23 seasons at Appalachian State, including five as a quar- terback (1991-95) and 12 as an assistant coach (1998-2008, 2020 LO UIS VILLE C ARDIN ALS F OO TB ALL 43gocards.com COACHING STAFF ACC COACH OF THE YEAR (2019) • SUN BELT CONFERENCE COACH OF THE YEAR (2018) HEAD COACH n SECOND SEASON SCOTT SATTERFIELD SATTERFIELD LED THE CARDINALS TO THE TOP TURNAROUND BY A POWER 5 PROGRAM, TAKING OVER A 2-10 TEAM AND GUIDING IT TO AN 8-5 MARK AND A BOWL WIN. LOUISVILLE (2019-) Head Coach APPALACHIAN STATE (2012-18) Head Coach (2013-18) 51-24 Record in Six Seasons Offensive Coordinator (QB) (2012) FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL (2010-11) Offensive Coordinator (QB) TOLEDO (2009) Passing Game Coordinator (QB) APPALACHIAN STATE (1998-2008) Assistant Coach (QB) (2003-08) Assistant Coach (RB) (1999-2002) Assistant Coach (WR) (1998) Playing Experience n Appalachian State (Quarterback, 1991-95) n 1995 First-Team All-Southern Conference n Led App State to only undefeated, untied regular season (11-0) in 1995 Personal n Bachelor’s Degree: Appalachian State (Physical Education, 1996) n Wife: Beth (Burleson) n Sons: Bryce and Isaac n Daughter: Alli44 COACHING STAFF 2012), the Mountaineers secured three NCAA Division I FCS national titles and 11 conference championships. In his final season at Appalachian State, the Mountaineers were 10-2 and captured the East Division title behind a 7-1 league record. The team has compiled five straight wins heading into its bowl ap- pearance, outscoring opponents 157-60. Defensively, the Mountaineers were sixth nationally in total de- fense, yielding only 279.3 yards per game and sixth allowing 15.7 points per contest. On offense, Satterfield’s team averaged 36.7 points per game, which is 20th in the country, and 15th in rushing offense behind 241.0 yards per game on the ground. In 2017, Appalachian State registered a 9-4 mark that included a 7-1 record within the league and a 34-0 win over Toledo in the Dol- lar General Bowl. The Mountaineers ranked among the top 20 teams nationally in fewest sacks allowed (No. 2 with eight), first downs al- lowed (No. 20 with 222), fewest passes picked off by opposing de- fenses (No. 8 with six), defensive interceptions (No. 12 with 18), sacks per game (No. 17 with 2.92), and turnover margin (No. 11 with 0.92). The Mountaineers completed a 10-win season in 2016, winning nine of their last 10 contests to finish at 10-3 overall – capped by a 31-28 win over Toledo in the Camellia Bowl. The Mountaineers’ two losses came at the hands of ranked opponents, opening the season with a 20-13 overtime loss to No. 9 Tennessee and a defeat to No. 25 Miami two weeks later. They put together one of the most statistically complete seasons in league history, allowing less than 12 points per game in Sun Belt ac- tion. Overall, the Mountaineers led the conference in scoring defense (17.0 points per game), total defense (326.0 yards per game), rushing offense (245.6 yards per game), turnover margin (+8), and time of possession (33:25). In conference games, Appalachian State led the league in total offense (452.5 yards per game). The 2015 season, saw Satterfield’s team post an 11-2 record. It was the highest win total by an FBS program in its first season of bowl eligibility after completing the transition. The Mountaineers ranked among the Sun Belt’s top two in 19 of the league’s 33 statistical cat- egories. Known as an innovative offensive mind, Satterfield’s team that season scored over 28 points in 11 games. To add to that success, the Mountaineers finished 11th in the nation in total defense, yield- ing only 314.5 yards per game, and 14th in the country in scoring defense at 19.1 points per game. Appalachian State held seven op- ponents to 14 points or less, including a pair of shutouts. The Hillsborough, N.C., native won four games in his first season, but steadily improved the program over the next five seasons. In 2014, Satterfield’s squad captured a 7-5 mark, winning its final six games to close out its first season as an FBS member. Satterfield spent the first 11 seasons of his professional career in Boone, coaching the Mountaineers’ wide receivers (1998), running backs (1999-02) and quarterbacks (2003-08). He was an integral part of Appalachian State’s transition from a Power-I to a Spread offense in 2004. With Satterfield serving as the Mountaineers’ primary play-caller, Appalachian State ranked among the nation’s top 20 in five major offensive statistical categories (scoring, rushing, passing, passing effi- ciency and total offense) from 2004-08. In 2007, the season in which Appalachian State took down Michigan, the Mountaineers led the nation with a school-record 488.3 yards of total offense per game. As Appalachian State’s quarterbacks coach, Satterfield coached both Richie Williams (2003-05) and Armanti Edwards (2006-08) to All-America recognition. He was Edwards’ mentor for the first of his back-to-back Walter Payton Awards (FCS Player of the Year) in 2008. Prior to his return to Appalachian State as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2012, Satterfield spent one season as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Toledo (2009) and two as the offensive coordinator at Florida International (2010-11). Satterfield, a native of Hillsborough, NC, is married to the former Beth Burleson, a star on the Appalachian State track team in the mid- 90’s. They have a daughter, Alli, and two sons, Bryce and Isaac. 2020 LO UIS VILLE C ARDIN ALS F OO TB ALL 44Coaching Staff45 2020 LO UIS VILLE C ARDIN ALS F OO TB ALL 45gocards.com COACHING STAFF Satterfield In Elite Company n Scott Satterfield’s success over the last five seasons has elevated him into the top echelon of coaches in the FBS. Wins Coach (Program) 69 - Dabo Swinney (Clemson) 66 - Nick Saban (Alabama) 52 - Paul Chryst (Wisconsin) 52 - Bryan Harsin (Boise State) 49 - James Franklin (Penn State) 49 - Rocky Long (San Diego State) 48 - Scott Satterfield (App. State, Louisville) 47 - Kirk Ferentz (Iowa) 47 - Jim Harbaugh (Michigan) 47 - Tom Herman (Houston, Texas) 47 - Brian Kelly (Notre Dame) 47 - Chris Petersen (Washington) Appalachian State 1998: FCS Playoffs (Quarterfinals) 1999: FCS Playoffs (First Round) 2000: FCS Playoffs (Semifinals) 2001: FCS Playoffs (Quarterfinals) 2002: FCS Playoffs (First Round) 2005: FCS Playoffs (National Champions) 2006: FCS Playoffs (National Champions) 2007: FCS Playoffs (National Champions) 2008: FCS Playoffs (Quarterfinals) 2010: Little Caesar’s Bowl 2011: Beef O’Brady’s Bowl 2012: FCS Playoffs (Second Round) 2015: Raycom Media Camellia Bowl 2016: Raycom Media Camellia Bowl 2017: Dollar General Bowl 2018: R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Louisville 2019: Music City Bowl Yearly Records Year Team (Role) Record 1998 Appalachian State (WR) 10-3 1999 Appalachian State (RB) 9-3 2000 Appalachian State (RB) 10-4 2001 Appalachian State (RB) 9-4 2002 Appalachian State (RB) 8-4 2003 Appalachian State (QB) 7-4 2004 Appalachian State (QB) 6-5 2005 Appalachian State (QB) 12-3 2006 Appalachian State (QB) 14-1 2007 Appalachian State (QB) 13-2 2008 Appalachian State (QB) 11-3 2009 Toledo (QB) 5-7 2010 Florida International (OC) 7-6 2011 Florida International (OC) 8-5 2012 Appalachian State (OC) 8-4 2013 Appalachian State (HC) 4-8 2014 Appalachian State (HC) 7-5 2015 Appalachian State (HC) 11-2 2016 Appalachian State (HC) 10-3 2017 Appalachian State (HC) 9-4 2018 Appalachian State (HC) 10-2 2019 Louisville (HC) 8-5 Overall Record 196-87 Head Coach Record 58-29 Record As Assistant 137-58 Yearly Final Rankings Year Team (Role) Rank 1998 Appalachian State (WR) 6th 1999 Appalachian State (RB) 9th 2000 Appalachian State (RB) 4th 2001 Appalachian State (RB) 6th 2002 Appalachian State (RB) 14th 2003 Appalachian State (QB) NR 2004 Appalachian State (QB) NR 2005 Appalachian State (QB) 1st 2006 Appalachian State (QB) 1st 2007 Appalachian State (QB) 1st 2008 Appalachian State (QB) 5th 2009 Toledo (QB) NR 2010 Florida International (OC) NR 2011 Florida International (OC) NR 2012 Appalachian State (OC) 8th 2013 Appalachian State (HC) NR 2014 Appalachian State (HC) NR 2015 Appalachian State (HC) NR 2016 Appalachian State (HC) NR 2017 Appalachian State (HC) NR 2018 Appalachian State (HC) NR 2019 Louisville (HC) NR Conference Titles (10) Year Team Conference 1999 Appalachian State Southern 2005 Appalachian State Southern 2006 Appalachian State Southern 2007 Appalachian State Southern 2008 Appalachian State Southern 2010 Florida International Sun Belt 2012 Appalachian State Southern 2016 Appalachian State Sun Belt 2017 Appalachian State Sun Belt 2018 Appalachian State Sun Belt Akron 1-0 Arkansas State 2-1 Boston College 1-0 Campbell 1-0 Charleston Southern 0-1 Charlotte 1-0 Chattanooga 0-1 The Citadel 0-1 Clemson 0-2 Coastal Carolina 2-0 Eastern Kentucky 1-0 Elon 1-0 Florida State 0-1 Furman 0-1 Gardner-Webb 1-0 Georgia 0-2 Georgia Southern 4-2 Georgia State 5-0 Howard 1-0 Idaho 4-0 Kentucky 0-1 Liberty 0-1 Louisiana 6-0 Massachusetts 0-1 Miami (Fla.) 0-2 Michigan 0-1 Mississippi State 1-0 Montana 0-1 NC State 1-0 New Mexico State 2-0 North Carolina A&T 0-1 Notre Dame 0-1 Ohio 1-0 Old Dominion 2-0 Penn State 0-1 Samford 0-1 Savannah State 1-0 South Alabama 2-1 Southern Miss 0-1 Syracuse 1-0 Tennessee 0-1 Texas State 3-0 Toledo 2-0 Troy 3-1 ULM 3-1 Virginia 1-0 Wake Forest 1-1 Western Carolina 1-0 Western Kentucky 1-0 Wofford 1-0 Wyoming 1-0 TOTAL 59-29 Coaching History Postseason Appearances Record vs. All Opponents46 COACHING STAFF 2020 LO UIS VILLE C ARDIN ALS F OO TB ALL 46Coaching Staff Known as one of the top de- velopers of offensive line tal- ent, Dwayne Ledford was named the offensive coordinator and of- fensive line coach at the Universi- ty of Louisville on Dec. 18, 2018. Ledford continued his run of producing successful offensive linemen, with the development of Mekhi Becton, who was draft- ed at No. 11 by the New York Jets, giving Ledford a first-round pick in consecutive seasons. Under Ledford’s tutelage, Becton became the first Lou- isville player to win the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given to the league’s best blocker, and was a first team All-ACC honoree. Ledford joined the Louisville staff after three seasons as the of- fensive line coach and run game coordinator at NC State, where he helped construct the Wolf- pack’s offensive lines into one of the best units in the ACC. Se- nior Garrett Bradbury, who was a first round pick by Minnesota, was a consensus All-American that earned Associated Press All- America honors and won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center. Bradbury and left tackle Tyler Jones both made the All-ACC team this season. It was the first time since 1974 the Pack had two from the offensive linemen on the first-team. Guard Terronne Prescod, who was an all-ACC honorable mention, was named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press. He was also been named a first-team All-American by both ESPN and the Sporting News and second-team selection by Sports Illustrated. The Wolfpack had a 1,000-yard rusher in each season of Ledford’s tenure. NC State went from 2002 to 2015 without a 1,000-yard rusher, which was the longest drought in the country. In three seasons directing the offensive line, the Wolfpack saw their sack total decrease, ranking among the top 20 in the country. NC State ranked third nationally last season in sacks allowed, giving up just 0.75 per game, while they finished tied for fifth in 2017 and 20th in 2016. State also saw its sacks allowed dramatically reduced under Ledford. The Wolfpack allowed 39 sacks in 2015 and then 17, 13 and nine in the subsequent seasons. A two-time Broyles Award (2014, 2017) nominee, Ledford saw four of his five starters on the offensive linemen line earn All-ACC honors in 2017: Tony Adams, Bradbury, Tyler Jones and Will Richardson (2nd), who was drafted in the fourth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ledford’s group was one of the best, allowing only 13 sacks, which led the ACC and ranked second in the Power 5. The Wolfpack offensive line paved the way for back-to-back 1,000-yard rushers in 2016 and 2017, the first time in two straight seasons since 1977-78. In 2016, an inexperienced offensive line (all but one of the starters was not available during spring practice) ended up ranking third in the ACC and 19th in the FBS in sacks allowed with 17 - the sixth-lowest tally in school history. Ledford came to NC State after four seasons coaching the offensive line at Appalachian State, and three years as co-offensive coordinator for the run game. The Mountaineers set a Sun Belt single season record with 11 wins in 2015, the team’s first full year of FBS eligibility, and have averaged 257.2 rush- ing yards per game over two seasons. His offense ranked fourth in the FBS in sacks allowed in 2015 with just 0.85 per game, and paved the way for a 271.5 yard rushing av- erage, ranking sixth nation- ally. The Mountaineers were explosive on offense, scoring 44 points or more nine times in its last 20 games and three of his players were named to the All-Sun Belt first or sec- ond team. Before joining the Ap- palachian State staff in 2012, Ledford spent one season as the offensive line coach and run game coor- dinator at Gardner-Webb. The Bulldogs ranked second in the Big South in rushing (165.6 yards per game) and third in fewest sacks allowed (17), finishing among the top 50 teams nationally in both categories. The 2010 season saw Ledford serve as the offensive line coach at Tennes- see State, helping lead the Tigers to top-25 national rankings in both rushing (190.0 ypg) and fewest sacks allowed (13) and coaching two all-Ohio Valley Conference selections. Ledford’s first coaching job came while he was still playing in the NFL, as he served as a football strength and conditioning coach at North Carolina in 2005 and as an offensive line intern with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe in the spring of 2006. Following his playing career, he was named the Galaxy’s tight ends and tackles coach in the spring of 2007 before returning to the U.S. to serve as the offensive line coach at Sanderson High in Raleigh that fall. He spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater, East Carolina (2008- 09), working with the offensive line and guiding the Pirates to back-to-back Conference USA titles. Louisville (2019-) Offensive Coordinator (OL) North Carolina State (2016-18) Associate Head Coach (Ol) (2018) Run Game Coordinator (OL) (2016-17) Appalachian State (2012-15) Co-Offensive Coordinator (OL) Gardner Webb (2011) Run Game Coordinator (OL) Tennessee State (2010) Assistant Coach (OL) East Carolina (2008-09) Graduate Assistant Sanderson (N.C.) H.S. (2007) Assistant Coach (OL) Frankfurt Galaxy (2006-07) Assistant Coach (TE/T) (2007) Intern (OL) (2006) North Carolina (2005) Strength and Conditioning Playing Experience n East Carolina (Offensive Line/Defensive Line, 1995-98) n Started all 11 games on the defensive line as a junior n Made nine starts at left tackle in his senior season n 1998-99 National Strength and Conditioning All-American n 1998 Jerry T. Brooks Award recipient for outstanding academic achievement n Seven-year NFL career n San Francisco 49ers (1999-2000, 2003-04) n Jacksonville Jaguars (2000) n Carolina Panthers (2001) n Cleveland Browns (2005) n New Orleans Saints (2006) Personal n Bachelor’s Degree: East Carolina ( Exercise and Sports Science, 1999) n Wife: Meredith n Sons: Hudson, Jordan BROYLES AWARD NOMINEE (2014, 2017, 2019) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR / OFFENSIVE LINE n SECOND SEASON LEDFORD HAS COACHED 10 ALL-ACC SELECTIONS, 4 ALL-AMERICANS, JACOB BLOCKING TROPHY AWARD WINNER AND THE RIMINGTON AWARD WINNER ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE IN HIS LAST FOUR SEASONS. DWAYNE LEDFORD47 BROWN LED ONE OF THE TOP DEFENSES IN THE COUNTRY IN 2018, RANKING SIXTH NATIONALLY IN SCORING DEFENSE, THIRD IN PASSING DEFENSE AND SIXTH IN TOTAL DEFENSE. 2020 LO UIS VILLE C ARDIN ALS F OO TB ALL 47gocards.com COACHING STAFF One of the bright, young mas- terminds on defense, Bryan Brown was hired as the defen- sive coordinator and cornerbacks coach at the University of Louis- ville in 2018. Taking over a defense that was near the bottom in the country, Brown’s impact was seen imme- diately. Brown’s group improved by over 10 points per game and more than doubled their sack to- tal from the 2018 season. Brown came to Louisville after six seasons as the defensive coor- dinator and cornerbacks coach at Appalachian State (2012-17). He was promoted run the defense in 2018, where he tutored one of the top defensive units in the nation. In leading the Mountaineers to their third-straight Sun Belt title, a 10-2 record and a fourth consecutive bowl appearance, Brown’s defense ranked sixth nationally in scoring defense at 15.7 points per game, hold- ing the opposition to 10 or fewer points in seven contests. Brown’s unit also ranked third in the country in passing defense (148.1), No. 1 in big plays given up, sixth in total defense (279.3). Before earning a promotion to the defensive coordinator position, Brown served as the cornerbacks coach at Appalachian State from 2012-17, leading one of nation’s most opportunistic units. Since the 2015 season, the Mountaineers ranked second nationally in interceptions, picking off 70 passes over that span, finishing second to San Diego’s State’s 72. Over that span, the Mountaineers finished in the top 15 nationally, totaling 15 or more interceptions in each of those seasons. In 2018, Brown’s group picked off 15 passes, ranking 14th in the nation, while the Appalachian State defense finished 2016 with 20 interceptions, the sixth-most in the FBS, and was No. 11 nationally in pass efficiency defense. From 2015-17, Brown’s cornerbacks combined to intercept 35 passes, picking 15 passes in 2015, another 10 in 2016 and 10 in 2017. The Moun- taineers led the Sun Belt Conference in passing defense in 2018, 2017 and 2015. Brown trained Clifton Duck, one of the top cornerbacks in school his- tory, and helped him become one of the team’s most decorated players. Duck led the Sun Belt Conference in interceptions with six in 2017, which was tied for fourth most in the nation, and was a two-time All-Sun Belt first team performer, a freshman All-American and the league’s 2016 freshman of the year. Additionally, at least one of Brown’s pupils has ranked among the confer- ence’s top 10 in interceptions during each season of his tenure. Duck was first and Tae Hayes tied for fifth in the league in 2017. Since 2015 at least one of both starting cornerbacks has earned first or second team all-conference. Both Duck (fourth) and Mondo Williams (seventh) finished in the top 10 in 2016, while Latrell Gibbs led the Sun Belt Conference in interceptions with seven total for 149 yards and two touchdowns in 2015. Gibbs’ efforts garnered him recognition on the all-Sun Belt first team. Also under Brown’s tutelage, Demetrius McCray led the Southern Confer- ence with four interceptions in 2012. McCray went on to join the National Foot- ball League as a seventh-round draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013. Brown went to Appalachian State from Ole Miss, where he helped as a graduate assistant coach for the Rebels, working specifically with the nickel back position. In that role, he was responsible for all practice planning and game planning for the nickel back spot. While at Ole Miss, he also served as an administrative assistant for the de- fensive coordinator, assisting with all aspects of practice and game planning for the squad’s cornerbacks. Brown served in a player development role at Rutgers in 2008, assisting the Scarlet Knights’ special teams units while also supporting in academic support services for the program. Following the stint at Rutgers, he spent one season at Delta State (2009) as a graduate assistant coaching the Statesmen’s cornerbacks. Brown and his wife, Courtney, have a son, Bryson, and a daughter, Elle. Louisville (2019-) Defensive Coordinator (CB) Appalachian State (2012-18) Defensive Coordinator (CB) (2018) Assistant Coach (CB) (2012-17) Ole Miss (2010-11) Graduate Assistant (Spurs) (2011) Defensive Admin. Assistant (2010) Delta State (2009) Graduate Assistant (CB) Rutgers (2008) Player Development Playing Experience n Ole Miss (Defensive Back, 2003-06), Played point guard on the basketball team in 2002. n Totaled 70 career tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown n Also returned kickoffs and punts Personal n Bachelor’s Degree: Ole Miss (Sociology, 2006) n Wife: Courtney (Walker) n Daughter: Elle n Son: Bryson DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR / CORNERBACKS n SECOND SEASON BRYAN BROWNNext >