Practice Blog #16 - Defense Makes Big Plays
August 19, 2009 | Football
Aug. 19, 2009
Louisville, Ky. - With two-a-day practices finally in the rear view mirror, the University of Louisville football team is in its final couple of practices before school starts on Monday.
While I'm sure the players are apathetic about school starting, they do look forward to their first off days of camp on Sunday and Monday. The Cardinals always take off the first full day of classes.
The Cardinals went 22 periods this afternoon in full pads -- their fourth straight practice in full pads. There were a couple of big plays on the afternoon by the defense to highlight the days practice under overcast and cool skies.
Following practice this afternoon, head coach Steve Kragthorpe told the assembled media that junior quarterback Adam Froman had a sore shoulder that has limited him the past couple of practices. Froman told me following practice that he should be back at full strength shortly. Defensive tackle Tyler Jessen is also in an elbow brace after dislocating his elbow. He could be out at least another two weeks.
The defense made a couple of big plays in practice on Wednesday. Interceptions have not been a strong suit for the Cardinal defense the last couple of seasons, but a couple of Cardinals made big plays on balls in practice.
Sam linebacker Brandon Heath made a nice play of pick on a Justin Burke pass, however he fell in what could have been a touchdown on the return. Senior safety Chaz Thompson returned a pick for a touchdown and C.J. Peake made a nice diving interception during skelly drills.
The Cardinals closed practice again with a two-minute drill with the first team offense and defense going head-to-head followed by the second units getting their chances. Red-shirt freshman quarterback Zack Stoudt led the Cardinals on a impressive drive using short passes to red-shirt freshman tight end Stephon Ball, but that drive stalled in the end.
