Louisville Defensive Lineman Becomes 154th UofL Selection in School History
University of Louisville defensive lineman Yaya Diaby was chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the No. 82 pick in the third round of the National Football League Draft on Friday. Diaby becomes the 154th UofL selection in school history and the first pick since wide receiver Tutu Atwell was drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Diaby is the first defensive lineman from UofL to be drafted since defensive end Treyvon Young was selected in the sixth round by the Rams in 2018. Diaby is the 15th player in school history to be drafted in the third round.
In 2022, Diaby was honored as a third team All-Atlantic Coast Conference player. He finished the season ranked second on the team with 9.0 sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss, racking up a total of 37 tackles. Diaby registered a sack in eight of 13 games, including a season-best 2.0 against Florida State and 1.5 versus Central Florida and Cincinnati in the Fenway Bowl.
Diaby’s performance on the defensive line was crucial in helping the Cardinals achieve the top national ranking with an average of 3.85 sacks per game.
In 2021, as a junior, Diaby recorded a career-best 39 tackles and 1.5 sacks, contributing to the Cardinals’ postseason appearance in the First Responder Bowl.
Over his three-year career as a starter for the Cardinals, Diaby accumulated 94 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 19.5 tackles for loss. His selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Draft highlights his impressive collegiate achievements and promises a bright future in professional football.
