Louisville’s Darius Ashley wraps up quarterback Cannon Smith for one of his two sacks in U of L’s 56-0 win over Memphis last weekend. (Photo by Menefee Seay.)

Specific moments linger in every football game.

During the Memphis game, it was the sight of Darius Ashley, with blinding speed, chasing down Memphis quarterbacks. No chance for them to escape. Boom. Boom.

Sacks haven’t been that common around here for three seasons. They stand out.

Ashley had the potential to be a premiere running back when he signed with the University of Louisville. As you know, Charlie Strong had other ideas, switching him from offense to defense, specifically to corner back. He had never played defense, ever.

After six games, Ashley may be getting a handle on the position. He had six solo tackles and two assists to go with the two sacks against Memphis. He had one tackle going into that game.

Ashley goes against his home town school Friday night. He has plenty of motivation. Now all he needs to do is add a few more interceptions to his stats.

Cincinnati will never catch him.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

3 thoughts on “Ashley getting handle on defense for Louisville”
  1. I thought Ashley had a pick against EKU? Maybe wishful thinking, looking forward to the Cinn. game- bringing my daughter to the game. Go Cards!

  2. I believe Darius Ashley will make a name for himself at the University of Louisville, no matter where he plays. He will get to the next level.

    He’s a very team-oriented individual with great individual talent and a super attitude.

    We are fortunate to have him.

  3. This is one of the reasons I believe Coach Strong will succeed here. He seems to have a feeling about individuals and their potential.
    For instance personally, I would have written off Chichester last year as a perennial ‘project.’ But if he can remember to stay in bounds and not hit late–he may still make a significant contribution. The fact that Charlie Strong has him in the game makes me think there’s hope for him, too.
    Give me a coach any time who knows people as well as he knows the game.

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