Petrino Previews the Start of Spring Practice
March 08, 2014 | Football
March 8, 2014
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Bobby Petrino: Video
With a 23-3 record over the last two seasons, the University of Louisville football program is in a state of transition heading into the start of spring practice on March 18 at 4 p.m.
Under the direction of head coach Bobby Petrino, who returns for his second stint as coach of the Cardinals, Louisville has a number of questions that need to be answered in the spring, including who will take over at the quarterback position.
"I think we have a lot of talented football players," Petrino said on Saturday. "I like the way the players have worked this winter and paid attention to what we were trying to teach them. I'm excited to get spring ball started next week."
The Cardinals welcome back seven players who started the bulk of the games at their offensive positions in 2013: Parker, senior running back Dominique Brown, senior tight Gerald Christian, junior offensive tackle Ryan Mack, senior offensive tackle Jamon Brown, senior offensive guard John Miller and senior center Jake Smith. Five other players made starts on the offensive side (OL Abraham Garcia, WR Robert Clark, WR Eli Rogers, WR Kai DeLa Cruz, RB Michael Dyer).
One of the players Petrino is excited to watch is Parker, who recorded 55 receptions for 885 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. He will be considered one of the best wideouts in the nation, and Petrino can see why.
"DeVante is impressive," Petrino said. "He puts a big smile on my face. I'm excited to watch him this spring. He can make plays by going up and getting the football. He will be fun to watch."
Brown was the Cardinals' leading rusher last season with 825 yards and eight touchdowns and is fortunate to have three returning starters on the offensive line who have are going on their third year together on the offensive front.
Ranking as the nation's top defense from a year ago, the Cardinals lost a lot of good football players, but return four talented starters in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's new 3-4 scheme. Senior defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin, junior linebacker James Burgess, junior cornerback Charles Gaines and cornerback Terrell Floyd all return to lead the defense. The Cardinals also return four others on defense who made starts in 2013 (LB Keith Brown, CB Jermaine Reve, S Gerod Holliman, CB Andrew Johnson).
On special teams, junior placekicker John Wallace enjoyed his best season in 2013, going 20-of-24 on field goals, falling one short of tying the team record. Ryan Johnson punted in every game last year, averaging a solid 41.2 yards a punt, while long snapper Grant Donovan has been one of the best in the country over the last two seasons.
Louisville will hit the practice field for the time on March 18 and the fans will get their first look at the 2014 Cardinals. All 14 practices and the April 11 Red-White game will be open to the public.
