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The Cardinal Countdown: 58 Days Until Kickoff

By CardinalStrong
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

#58 Jonathan Greenard

Class: Freshman

Ht/Wt: 6-4/226

Position: Linebacker

Hometown: Hiram, GA

Twitter: @_ayejon_

Thoughts: Greenard was a nice pickup for the Cards last year after attending one of their camps. He visited another camp down I-64 the day before, but knew where he wanted to go when asked by the Courier’s Steve Jones “I got a better vibe from the coaches at Louisville” he said. “I knew they were dedicated to winning and making the players better”.

Ranked as the 83rd best outside linebacker in the country and the 11th best prospect out of the state of Georgia, Greenard played both sides of the ball (TE) for Hiram High School last season. I think Grantham and Petrino both see Greenard as a Mauldin-type player who will rush the passer consistently but from various formations. The 3-4 scheme Grantham introduced last year did wonders for a player like Mauldin allowing him to play from a standing position off the line or get in the three point stance. (Devonte Fields looks to capitalize on that same approach this year.) It also didn’t hurt during his recruitment that Greenard was familiar with Grantham and his style of play from his time at the University of Georgia. From the same Steve Jones article mentioned above Jonathan was quoted as saying “Coach Grantham is a great coach, and I love the way he coaches and I love what they have in store for me”. Petrino was also extremely excited about getting Jonathan and projected he’d be a dominant pass rusher and a top player in the ACC in the future.

I’d assume Greenard will have some opportunity to play this year, even as a freshman, and learn from a very talented linebacking core in front of him. Players like Stewart, Bonner, Thomas and Greenard should be stepping into much larger roles next year so don’t be surprised to see them run out there in various situations.

Stock the cupboard Grantham.

Sweet Tweet:

Pretty cool that almost one year ago to the day Jonathan committed and is now being profiled as a member of the team. I’m not the best guy to ask because I never went through the experience personally, but it has to feel pretty incredible to get the opportunity to do something you love and get a free education on top of it. Very similar to when I dominate my 2 year old daughter at nerf basketball. She loves playing with daddy and she gets a free education on the skyhook. She occasionally tries to big body me with her 3-5/42lb frame but there’s no denying me when I post up within 2 feet. Hope you packed a lunch baby girl, because school is in session.

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