Pass fits Cardinals defensive scheme

Khane Pass has found a scheme that fits his style of play.

The senior safety leads Louisville football with 28 tackles through four games. He recorded his first double-digit tackle game of his career against Florida State, finishing with 12 tackles.

Louisville defensive coordinator Bryan Brown agrees that Pass fits his defensive scheme.

“With Khane’s ability, what he does well is understanding angles,” Brown said. “He is smart. He is a very high IQ football guy. He understands schemes, where to fit.

“We are able to get him in the box and involved in the running game.”

Pass likes Brown’s energy and mentality, things that allow him to play the way he wants to.

“He [Brown] brings pressure and gets after it, I do what I like,” Pass said.

After allowing 44 points per game in 2018, Louisville’s defensive looks vastly improved this season. The Cardinals are allowing 22.8 points per game, an improvement that Pass credits to playing fast.

He said the defense had to think a lot last year, but with Brown, the Cardinals can play fast, which makes a difference.

“I understand the defense better and I like the scheme better,” Pass said. “I play faster and get to the ball more.”

Pass has started all four games this season after starting every game last year. He had six tackles against Notre Dame along with four and five, respectively, against Eastern Kentucky and Western Kentucky.

“I’m excited he is having the year he is having,” Brown said.