New Quarterbacks to Battle for Starting Job in 2003
July 24, 2003 | Football
July 24, 2003
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Buckle your seatbelts Cardinal fans because Petrino's high-octane offense is back, and could be better than ever.
If history repeats itself, it won't be long before the Cardinals find themselves ranked among the nation's best. Preceded by a reputation as one of the most dynamic offensive minds in football, head coach Bobby Petrino has served as the architect for three different teams which led the nation in total offense, including the record-setting 1998 U of L squad featuring NCAA record-holders Chris Redman (QB), Arnold Jackson (WR) and Ibn Green (TE), which will serve as the blueprint for his Cards.
When the Cards open preparation for the upcoming season this summer, a Petrino will indeed be at the controls of the U of L offense, but it won't be Bobby. Paul Petrino, a former U of L assistant and younger brother of the Cards' head coach, will set out to carve his own niche when he takes the reigns as the offensive coordinator. The Petrino brothers, who last teamed during that record-setting '98 season in which Paul coached the Cardinal wideouts, are once again reunited to form a duo of offensive masterminds.
It might sound odd to casual observers, but it would come as no shock to those close to the U of L program to see the Cards become a better offensive team this season than they were a year ago, even with the loss of three-time Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year Dave Ragone. The offense, which was young and inexperienced last season, especially on the offensive line, returns 20 letterwinners, including seven starters, and features depth and experience on a much-improved offense line. Add one of the nation's top recruiting classes to the mix and you've got a potent recipe for success on offense ... just the way the Petrinos like it.
When opponents go up against the U of L offense this fall, one of the things they will notice is a different quarterback under center for the first time since the 2000 campaign.
The winningest quarterback in school history, Ragone has moved to the National Football League, and it's time for a new signal-caller to emerge to guide the Cardinal offense.
 Justin Rascati is a strong-armed and deadly-accurate pocket passer |
The question of who will fill the quarterback position was clarified this past spring, when Petrino had a true competition for the starting nod. Junior Stefan LeFors emerged with the inside track after a solid spring, but redshirt freshman Justin Rascati also stayed in contention with a competitive spring.
The only U of L quarterback to get a taste of live game action in his collegiate career, the versatile LeFors owns a very capable arm and is an exceptional playmaker who can get out of trouble and make things happen with his feet. With enough speed to run with the wideouts, LeFors poses multiple threats to opposing defenses and has made huge strides in the passing game. He has earned his stripes as holder on field goals and extra points and appeared in eight games over the last two years as Ragone's backup, completing 8-of-16 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. The Louisiana native looked smooth in running the offense this past spring, completing 15-of-18 passes for 270 yards in the spring game.
A strong-armed and deadly-accurate pocket passer built in the same mold as former U of L standout Chris Redman, Rascati offers a contrasting style to that of LeFors. The 2001 Class 3A-5A player of the year in the state of Florida, Rascati passed for more than 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns for one of Florida's top prep teams during his high school career.
Coming Friday: A preview of the Running Backs
