Cardinals' Football Diary Day 1
August 04, 2006 | Football
Aug. 4, 2006
Louisville, Ky. -- - After months of anticipation, the start of the 2006 season is finally here. It seems like just yesterday that I was packing up my laptop down in Jacksonville after the loss to the Hokies. I don't think our players feel the same way - after winter workouts, spring practice, summer conditioning, etc., I know they were like the rest of the fans, excited to start a new season.
On a hot and steamy day in Louisville and in front of a huge crowd of about 500, the Cardinals officially kicked off the 2006 season. It was great to see Michael Bush, Brian Brohm, Nate Harris and Abe Brown out there again. You could tell the fans were excited as many of them were out there in their Cardinal Red and White.
We're all in a little bit of a learning curve with the new NCAA rules about practice. Although "camp" started today, two-a-days won't start until next week. And even when they start, it's no longer permissible to have them on consecutive days. Our practices are so organized and fast-paced, I have no doubt that the coaches will make the most of the opportunities they have for practice. Each five-minute period is scripted and players have to make sure they are moving at a fast pace.
For the second straight season, the freshmen reported at the same time as the varsity. The rookies had came out first and practiced for about 45 minutes before the vets joined them. You could tell how quickly the intensity changed when the veterans took the field.
The team went out this afternoon and went through a spirited 24-period practice. We weren't as efficient in our execution, but for the first day there were a lot of positives. For example, JaJuan Spillman practiced with great intensity and made numerous catches in and out of traffic. Bush looked huge and fit, while junior offensive tackle Breno Giacomini showed good feet. Renardo Foster also looked in the best shape of his career and should anchor the offensive front.
It was hot and you could see that it affected the players, but they never stopped working hard. That's never a problem at U of L. The players always give 100 percent.
The team also practiced on their new third field, which was recently finished a couple of weeks ago. The previous field was a casualty of the new practice facility.
After practice, head coach Bobby Petrino announced that Amobi Okoye, William Gay, Nate Harris, Brian Brohm, Mike Bush and Kurt Quarterman were named captains.
It was a good first day, but still there's a lot of work to be done.
It will be an early day on Saturday as Fan and Media Day takes place. It will be great to see all the fans again and the players are looking forward to seeing all the fans.
