Louisville secondary looks to tax its foes

Aug 5, 2017 - 12:05 AM The Louisville secondary has one of the best defenders in the country and perhaps the nation's hottest new nickname.

The Cardinals' defensive backs -- led by All-American cornerback Jaire Alexander -- have dubbed themselves "The Tax Boys." That nickname was the brainchild of true freshman cornerback Anthony Johnson.

"At first we looked at him like, 'What? That's horrible,'" Alexander told reporters Thursday. "And then we were like, 'Nah, that makes sense.'"

Naturally, they plan on making opposing offenses pay.

"We're like the IRS, baby," Alexander said. "We're coming for all that money that's in the air."

Alexander, a junior rated as the No. 20 draft prospect by NFLDraftScout.com, picked off five passes last season and returned a punt for a touchdown. He's joined in the secondary by third-year starting safety Chucky Williams, senior cornerback Trumaine Washington and a bunch of young talent.

Louisville last season tied for 22nd nationally with 15 interceptions and ranked 14th in the country in total defense, allowing 322.2 yards per game.

"Nobody is better than us," Alexander said. "That's how we feel."



--Florida State junior wide receiver Da'Vante Phillips was suspended indefinitely Friday after reports of his arrest on five felony charges, the school announced.

The charges stem from "cashing or depositing items with intent to defraud, grand theft," according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

Phillips made four catches for 33 yards in nine games last season. He has been expected to have a bigger role this season for the Seminoles, who open the season against Alabama in Atlanta.



--Oklahoma offensive lineman Alex Dalton will miss the season because of a knee injury sustained over the summer in a non-football related activity. Dalton started last year's opener at right guard but then played in a reserve role in five other games. He figured to add depth to Oklahoma's line this season.



--Two key Alabama players returning from injury -- inside linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton and running back Bo Scarbrough -- were full-go in the team's first camp practice Thursday.

Dion Hamilton, who had 64 tackles last season, including nine for loss, suffered a torn ACL in the SEC Championship Game. Scarbrough rushed for 812 yards and 11 touchdowns on 125 carries before suffering a broken leg in the national title game against Clemson.

SEC media last month selected each player to its preseason second-team all-conference team.



--One of the most fascinating position changes in college football is the move of Iowa State's Joel Lanning from former starting quarterback to starting middle linebacker. Lanning started nine games at quarterback last season before losing the starting job to Jacob Park, formerly of Georgia.

Lanning switched sides of the ball in the spring, working his way up to the first-team defense.

But Lanning isn't done on offense. The senior could certainly fill a role as a short-yardage quarterback.

"I can already tell you that Joel Lanning is going to play offense this year for us," coach Matt Campbell told reporters Thursday. "I think how much probably will be dictated by situational football ... where does it make sense to bring Joel into the football game for us to have success?"