University of Louisville Defensive Line Coach Mark Ivey and true freshman defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte met with the media on Wednesday afternoon to discuss a variety of topics. Depth, early camp takeaways, and offseason reflections were some of the topics touched on. Here are the videos and my takeaways from the press conference.
Depth
Mark Ivey: “The conversation for the past couple years was about depth. We took a huge step last year, and I think the defensive line is going to improve drastically in year three.”
Louisville DL coach Mark Ivey: “the conversation for the past couple years was about depth. We took a huge step last year, and I think the defensive line is going to improve drastically in year three.”
Ashton Gillotte on pass rush: “We have a lot of fast and twitchy guys. We’re ready to get out there and bring pressure off the edge.”
Newcomers
Mark Ivey on Southern Miss transfer Jacques Turner: “he’s been a great addition. He’s got a ton of experience and has a great attitude. He’s twitchy and powerful and will be a great help in middle.”
Mark Ivey: “Ashton is unbelievably powerful; he’s twitchy and explosive, but also is focused on doing things the right way. He’s made multiple sacks in practices.”
Mark Ivey: “Victoine Brown has that alpha mentality and draws respects due to the way he carries himself.” “Ryheem (Craig) is extremely quick. RJ Sorensen has had a good fall camp, Caleb Banks has outlandish talent.”
Mark Ivey: “Ashton Gillotte is what we thought he was, and maybe even more. He’s going to be excellent.”
Ashton Gillotte: “I always think that people will believe you’re an underdog when you’re not a five-star. There’s a lot of talent and work ethic.”
Returning Players
Mark Ivey: “Yaya (Diaby) had a good year (last year), but he’s in a whole different spot. I think he’s going to explode on to the scene.”
Mark Ivey: “Malik Clark is healthy and looking phenomenal. Jacques Turner is getting accustomed to what we do.” Ivey also mentions Dezmond Tell as a guy to step in as well.
Mark Ivey: Getting Tabarius Peterson was huge, he is doing an unreal job as a leader for the other guys.
Ashton Gillotte on the veterans: “they’ve helped me a lot. From spring, we’ve gotten a lot better and faster. We should be one of the top lines in the ACC.”
Ashton Gillotte on Yaya Diaby: “Yaya has been doing a lot of extra work. He doesn’t have a weakness, but improves on the little things. He’s working his tail off.”
Ashton Gillotte
Ashton Gillotte: “Its been pretty easy to add weight. I didn’t expect to gain so much so fast, but did want to put on some weight.”
Ashton Gillotte: “I’ve gained 40 pounds (since arriving in January). All of the coaches and older players have pushed me to be stronger in the weight room and it has translated on to the field.”
