Louisville Safeties Discuss Spring Practice Progress

New safeties coach Brandon Sharp and veterans Blake Ruffin and Koen Entringer share insights on the Cardinals' secondary.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Louisville football safety in motion, with the player's body and the field fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the intensity and energy of the game.Louisville's secondary aims to blend veteran leadership and new talent as the Cardinals' defense takes shape this spring.Louisville Today

Louisville's football team is well into spring practice, and the safety position group has seen a mix of new faces and returning veterans. Newly promoted safeties coach Brandon Sharp, along with veterans Blake Ruffin and Koen Entringer, met with the media to discuss the progress of the secondary so far this spring.

Why it matters

The safety position is a key part of Louisville's defense, and the Cardinals have brought in some new talent through the transfer portal to complement their returning starters. How this group develops during spring practice will be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season.

The details

Sharp, who was previously a quality control coach, has taken over the safeties and is excited about the potential of the group. Returners like Antonio Watts and Blake Ruffin provide experience, while transfers Koen Entringer, Kaleb Beasley, and T.J. Banks have added new talent and leadership. The safeties have performed well so far this spring, with Entringer in particular stepping up as a vocal leader.

  • Spring practice for the Louisville football program began in early April 2026.
  • The annual Louisville spring game is scheduled for two weeks from now.

The players

Brandon Sharp

The new safeties coach for the Louisville football team, previously serving as a quality control coach.

Blake Ruffin

A returning senior safety for the Louisville Cardinals.

Koen Entringer

A transfer safety from Iowa who has taken on a leadership role in the Louisville secondary.

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What they’re saying

“I don't feel like it's any different. I love being out there on the field coaching guys, and coach Brohm gave me the freedom to be out there and get those guys all the knowledge that I have, and coach them hard. It's really been a blessing to step up in this role, and have this opportunity to coach guys how I want to coach them, and develop those guys, and make sure they have the success on the field.”

— Brandon Sharp, Safeties Coach

“Koen stepped up immediately in a leadership role. He's doing a great job with the guys as far as approaching the game like a pro. That's what he is. He's definitely influenced guys to come in and do more, and watch more film and things like that.”

— Brandon Sharp, Safeties Coach

What’s next

The Louisville Cardinals will hold their annual spring game in two weeks, giving the safeties and the rest of the team a chance to showcase their progress in front of fans.

The takeaway

Louisville's secondary has a mix of experienced returners and talented transfers, giving the coaching staff optimism about the unit's potential this season. The development of the safeties during spring practice will be crucial as the Cardinals look to build on their success from last year.