Cards Begin Third Week of Spring Practice
April 07, 2015 | Football
Photo Gallery April 7, 2015
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- The University of Louisville football team returned to the practice field on Monday looking to continue to its development this spring on both sides of the football.
With so many questions still surrounding the offense, offensive coordinator Garrick McGee addressed the media following practice on Tuesday, and added insight to the progress he has seen this spring.
The quarterback position is the obvious focal point because of the daily competition between the three signal callers, and the competition has seen different leaders after each practice.
Kyle Bolin, Reggie Bonnafon and Tyler Ferguson have battled, and the coaching staff continues to challenge the trio during every practice.
"The theory is to apply as much pressure on them as you can to perform on a daily basis," McGee said. "We want them to be able to perform in the meeting room; to perform on the practice field, so when the pressure shows up in the game, they are comfortable in that environment."
McGee added, "There's a lot that comes at them. We run a complex offense, and we expect a lot out of our quarterbacks. They have a lot of control of the offense, and to do that, you have to be in the playbook. You have to study and have confidence to make the checks, and go make the plays behind the checks."
The Cardinals were back on the field after a big scrimmage on Saturday. McGee thought there was progress made on the field, especially after the first scrimmage two weeks ago.
"I think the scrimmage on Saturday was better than the week before," McGee said. "We still have a long way to go in regards to how you have to play at this level; how all 11 people have to work as one; lower pad level; and better get-offs."
McGee likes the progress of running back Jeremy Smith, who led the Cardinals in rushing on Saturday, but the offensive coordinator stated that the junior-college transfer has things to work on before the fall.
"Jeremy is a very physical runner," McGee said. "He needs to run with his pad level a little lower so he doesn't get hit in the chest. He is physical and he is explosive."
McGee was asked about the tight end position, which has added depth this spring, and shows a lot of potential with Keith Towbridge, Micky Crum and Cole Hikutini, who is out with an injury.
"Keith is a big, on the ball tight end," McGee said. "We ask the tight end to do a lot in our offense, which means there is a lot of learning involved, and he is the one with the experience with Micky (Crum) behind him, and Cole Hikutini.
"We value that position in our offense. There aren't a lot people in the nation value that position, but we do. Most people are four wide, but because of our experience in the NFL, the tight end is a big part of the offense."
Another position that has been a big focus has been the offensive line, which lost three starters and lacks depth this spring, which has made McGee worry at night.
"You always worry about depth," McGee said. "We are down some guys. We always worry about depth, but that's why it's important to practice the right way so we can stay healthy."
The lack of depth has been difficult on the offense this spring, but McGee knows their progress is going to take a little time.
"It's a work in progress," McGee said. "Coach Klenakis does a great job. He is tough and hard on them, but at the same time he gets them to appreciate being offensive linemen, and makes them to understand how important they are to our offense."
The Cardinals will return to the practice field for practice No. 10 on Wednesday afternoon.
