2004 Cardinal Football Preview - Quarterbacks
August 10, 2004 | Football
Aug. 10, 2004
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Heading into last season, there were plenty of question marks surrounding the University of Louisville offense as three-time Conference USA Player of the Year Dave Ragone had graduated, leaving the reins to an untested Stefan LeFors. What transpired was one of the best offensive seasons in the history of the school. Behind the left arm of LeFors and a potent rushing attack, the Cardinals set the school and conference record for total offense (6,355) and finished fifth nationally with an average of 488.0 yards per game. As the Cardinals prepare for their second season in head coach Bobby Petrino's offensive system, the scary thing is that the Cardinals could even be more potent, as nine starters and 19 letterwinners return on the offensive side of the football. The Cardinals have always been known to have one solid quarterback in the mix. For the first time in recent memory, the Cardinals will have two outstanding signal-callers, which bodes well for the future of the entire Cardinal football program. LeFors was an All-C-USA first team selection, his first as a starter, throwing for 3,145 yards and 17 touchdowns. His 3,145 passing yards was the third best in school history, while his touchdowns were tied for ninth. The 6-0 left-hander rose from obscurity to become the focal point of the Cardinal attack. The native of Baton Rouge, La., led the league in total offense (273.1 ypg) and was second in passing efficiency (145.46). More importantly, LeFors completed 61.3 percent of his throws and tossed just 10 interceptions. Teamed with standout senior wide receiver J.R. Russell, LeFors helps form one of the most dynamic quarterback-receiver combinations in the country. LeFors also showed an ability to use his legs to get out of trouble, setting the school record for rushing yards for a quarterback, running for 405 yards and three scores. LeFors will have competition this fall when freshman Brian Brohm, the most heralded recruit in U of L history, comes to campus. Brohm, who guided local Trinity High School to three state titles, was named USA Today National Offensive Player of the Year. In four years with the Shamrocks, Brohm threw for 10,579 yards and 119 touchdowns and was rated the No. 2 high school player in the nation by Tom Lemming. Brohm was a three-time state finalist Most Valuable Player and was named one of the nation's top quarterbacks in June. Two more freshmen signal callers, Bill Ashburn and Hunter Cantwell, should also add depth to the quarterback position for the 2004 season.
