Louisville football starting linebacker Monty Montgomery will miss the rest of the 2021 season after suffering a knee injury. Montgomery tore his ACL in the closing moments of UofL’s victory over UCF.
Finally confirmed. We wish a speedy recovery for our guy @MontyTBE1 pic.twitter.com/fbRvZBd4Xb
— CSZ (@CardSportZone) September 25, 2021
It’s a devastating loss for a Louisville defense that has been good this season. Montgomery has been one of Louisville’s best linebackers since he arrived on campus. This season, he’s had 17 total tackles while taking on a new role as a starting inside backer. During his previous two seasons as a Card, he was used more as a hybrid inside and outside backer. For his career, he’s had 9 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.
Jaylin Alderman will start in place of Montgomery. Alderman was the player who replaced Montgomery after his injury and scored the game-winning TD on a pick-six. The shoes he is expected to fill are huge, especially as a true freshman. Montgomery, in concert with CJ Avery, was one of the unquestioned leaders of the linebacking corps. His playmaking ability and his wealth of knowledge and experience will be very hard for Alderman to replace. Alderman obviously has the talent, but the experience that Montgomery brought to the field is something he lacks.
Nothing was taken away from me Friday night, a new opportunity was given. Leading from a new place on the field, I will join our @UofLFootball family by encouraging my brothers every practice and every play. Not deterred, just reminded we are all on His timeline. #BeatFSU
— Monty “TBE” Montgomery7️⃣ (@MontyTBE1) September 25, 2021
However, Montgomery will still be on the sideline and having him there as an emotional leader is huge. Arguably, he was Louisville’s emotional leader on defense. While he won’t be able to hype his guys up after a big tackle or before a big 3rd down on the field, I imagine he will still have his infectious energy on the sideline and it will filter down to his teammates. Also, his presence on the sideline will allow Alderman to seek his counsel and knowledge during games which should help Alderman along in his new role.
No matter how you slice it, the loss of Monty Montgomery on the field is a terrible thing for a UofL defense that is looking to continue its improvement that began last season. His ability as a playmaker and as an emotional leader on the field will obviously leave a big void. Having him on the sideline should lessen the blow some. We at Cardinal Sports Zone wish him a speedy recovery.
