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Louisville's James Sample to apply for early entry into 2015 draft

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Louisville junior safety James Sample will reportedly join safety Gerod Holliman in applying for early entry into the 2015 NFL Draft, leaving a big hole in the Cardinals' secondary for the second year in a row.

Holliman confirmed via Twitter a December report that he intends to turn pro after recording an NCAA record-tying 14 interceptions as a junior. Sample's decision was reported by Lars Hanson of 247sports.com.

Sample led the Cardinals in tackles with 90 -- 74 of them solos -- and intercepted four passes with eight breakups as a junior. At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, he isn't as big as Holliman but the former Washington Husky played a key role in the Cardinals' defense under new coordinator Todd Grantham. Holliman broke up three passes with his school-record interception total, returning the picks for a total of 245 yards. Holliman (6-2, 215) has been questioned for his tackling skills, however.

Last year, Louisville lost its starting safety duo -- Calvin Pryor and Hakeem Smith -- as Pryor entered the draft as a junior and was picked by the New York Jets in the first round and Smith was a senior who was eventually cut by the Tennessee Titans.

*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.

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