Leading tackler C.J. Avery returning to Louisville

Linebacker C.J. Avery, Louisville’s leading tackler in each of the past two seasons, has announced that he is returning to U of L for one more year. Avery, like all fall athletes participating in D-I competition in 2020, was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA.

Avery has been a primary contributor at Louisville since the first day he put on a Cardinal uniform, and a starter at linebacker for each of the past three seasons.

He was second on the team in tackles in 2018 with 53, and then led U of L in that category a year later with 93. His 78 tackles this past season, which included five for a loss and two sacks, were once again the most on the squad. Avery also produced one interception, three pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Needless to say this is major, major news for Bryan Brown’s defense heading into 2021.