The Cardinal Countdown: 6 Days Until Kickoff

#6 Yaya Diaby

Class: Junior

Ht/Wt: 6-4/255

Position: Defensive Line

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Twitter: @greatyaya4

Thoughts: Yaya is another Georgia Military College JUCO add for the Cards, along with Marvin Dallas and Trevor Reid this year and previously Pat Thomas who suited up for Louisville a few seasons back. Yaya is a “big” addition to the line at 6-4/255 and showed last year at the Junior College level that he was simply better than most who lined up across from him. As the season progressed Yaya started getting looks from some more big time programs, but the Cards held off FSU, Tennessee, Texas Tech, and WVU among others to get his services.

Yaya will have two seasons of eligibility left but (I know I’ve mentioned this like 5 times already but I’ll do it again), if he so chooses this season is a wash in terms of eligibility lost and he could actually play here for three years if that makes sense for him. While most guys are looking to get to the next level as quick as possible some players may need that extra year to put some tape together or to prove they can start all 12-13 games and be consistent. In 2020 Yaya will be a contributor without question off the edge, but I don’t think he will take on a starters role unless we see decreased production from Peterson.

In clips below from last year the size of Yaya was a problem for opponents but I like watching how he pursues the ball and the angles he was taking to either get to the QB or the ball carrier. He has good speed and at least in the clips below seemed to be going at full speed consistently on each play. The depth of the defensive line this year is something I’m really looking forward to seeing as the season wears on. I like the two deep a lot and think it’s an upgrade from 2019.

Sweet Tweet:

I’m always curious where teammates take new guys on their first couple days in town. If you’re an upperclassman and a fresh face rolls into Louisville, what’s the plans for the day/night?

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#6 Evan Conley

Class: Sophomore

Ht/Wt: 6-2/215

Position: Quarterback

Hometown: Marietta, GA

Twitter: @Econ11_

Thoughts: The story on Conley one year into his career is pretty incredible. The third string QB to start the season saw action in seven games, threw for over 600 yards, rushed for over 85 yards, and had five total touchdowns…yes, the third string QB.

While Conley was a relative unknown coming into 2019 his name was quickly in the spotlight after the Puma injury as he was QB2 behind an athletic and sometimes “risk-taking” QB in Cunningham. A few dings here and there on Cunningham gave Conley spots to step in and perform and he did just that. Not of course without mistakes, but for a young man who likely felt as if 2019 would be a transition year he took on the challenge and made some plays that without question won Louisville a couple football games. I think the most obvious memory for most fans is his performance in the classic with Wake last year. If you want a quick recap of his play, you’re in luck….

While Wake grabs the headlines he actually played well against BC and the few snaps he got against WKU. Ponce was talking a couple weeks ago about his work ethic and how he always wants to do more and more and they have to pull him off the field at times. You love to see that from a young man who has proven he can compete at this level, but knows he still has a lot to learn. While 2020 appears to have Conley sitting in the same spot a week out from kickoff (third string) he knows just as well as anyone in the country that a couple plays can change that quickly. While I personally have not gone over the depth chart of every Power 5 program I think it’s safe to say that very few, if any, fanbases have more confidence in their “third sting” QB than Louisville.

Sweet Tweet:

My man likely did not anticipate looking back a year later from NSD and seeing everything he had already accomplished, but a great story that is just getting started for E Con.