Two Starting Defensive Lineman for Louisville Opt Out of Boca Raton Bowl

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Two of the Louisville football program's starters on the defensive line will not suit up for the Boca Raton Bowl next week.

Head coach Jeff Brohm announced Tuesday that both defensive tackle Rene Konga and defensive end Wesley Bailey have opted out of the matchup against the Rockets. Bailey and Konga, both of whom are Canadian transfers from Rutgers, each started all 12 regular season games.

As of this writing, Louisville is only in line to be missing four scholarship players for the Boca Raton Bowl due to opt-outs or the transfer portal. Safety Daeh McCullough and quarterback Brady Allen have announced their intentions to transfer when the portal window opens on Jan. 2.

"In the end, we want everybody to make the best decision for them," Brohm said. "As far as anticipating anything new, you never really know. After bowl season, I'm sure there'll be some things pop up, and I think we're ready for that at all times.

"We'll get with our guys after the season, and tell them exactly where they stand, and if it's in their best interest to stay, of course, we want to stay. If they think that there's a better opportunity somewhere else, then we'll make sure that we help them do that as well. You never really know for sure, but I think in general, we're hopeful to get as many guys back as we can, and build a roster from there."

Bailey came over from the Scarlet Knights this past offseason, and had a career year in his final season at the college level. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound edge rusher's 7.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks were both second on the team to Clev Lubin, and he also collected a career-best 39 tackles.

Bailey spent the previous four years of his career at Rutgers, where he was a key rotational piece on their defensive line. In 36 total games with RU, he collected 71 tackles, 15.0 for loss, 9.5 sacks, six pass breakups and four fumble recoveries.

Konga was in his second season with the Cardinals after transferring out of Piscataway, and also had a career year in his final collegiate season. His 29 tackles (13 for loss) and 5.0 for loss were all career-highs, while his six pass breakups led the team. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound tackle also added 1.5 sacks.

Last season in his first season with UofL, Konga collected 20 tackles, 3.0 for loss and 2.5 sacks. Comparatively speaking, he spent the first three years of his college career at Rutgers, and logged 14 tackles, three for loss, two sacks, two pass breakups and a forced fumbles across 21 games.

Kickoff against Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl is set for Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

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