Louisville Football Daily Newsletter (Aug. 10)
August 10, 2016 | Football
Cards conduct first double session on Wednesday.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The heat at the University of Louisville's fall football was at a new level as Wednesday marked the first day of two-a-day practices, with the first session taking place in the morning and returning to the practice fields for a shortened workout in the afternoon.
"This is the day that challenges their mental toughness and leadership," head coach Bobby Petrino said after the first practice. "We had some guys out there this morning rallying guys and working hard. I think it helps build character and toughness as a team."
The Cardinals had their first full-contact practice on Tuesday, and ended the workout with a short tackle practice -- and Petrino was pleased with the team's execution and the competition.
One group that has stood out so far through camp has been the running back spot, and that was pointed out in the scrimmage.
With all three starters returning, Petrino feels good about his backs after the first full week of practice, and singled out Brandon Radcliff as someone who has greatly improved.
"I think our running backs are going to be pretty good," said Petrino. "Brandon Radcliff has had a really good camp. This year we designed it to bring him lighter, so he can play fast and I think his speed really showed up yesterday."
It was well-documented last season that offensive line was young and inexperienced, which showed on the field.
However, with a year under their belts and some added depth, Petrino is encouraged with the progress on the offensive line through nine practices.
"They're starting to jell and come around," Petrino said. "They are getting better. I'm encouraged by our understanding of what is going on."
"We're going to be a lot better at the tackle position. We have two guards who can really run. Yesterday was good for them, they have to be able to concentrate and focus when they are tired."
In Tuesday's scrimmage and practice on Wednesday, the tight end position was on display, and the amount of talent was evident with the amount of players, especially senior Cole Hikutini, who averaged a team-best 18.3 yards a catch last season.
"Cole Hikutini and Charles Standberry do a great job of running after the catch," Petrino said. "I'm really encouraged with those guys because we can move them around and line them up in different places. Cole is a really good guy who can run after the catch and can make the quarterback's job easier by turning a six-yard game into a 70-yard gain."
The Cardinals will return to the field on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. before participating in their second double session on Friday.
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"This is the day that challenges their mental toughness and leadership," head coach Bobby Petrino said after the first practice. "We had some guys out there this morning rallying guys and working hard. I think it helps build character and toughness as a team."
The Cardinals had their first full-contact practice on Tuesday, and ended the workout with a short tackle practice -- and Petrino was pleased with the team's execution and the competition.
One group that has stood out so far through camp has been the running back spot, and that was pointed out in the scrimmage.
With all three starters returning, Petrino feels good about his backs after the first full week of practice, and singled out Brandon Radcliff as someone who has greatly improved.
"I think our running backs are going to be pretty good," said Petrino. "Brandon Radcliff has had a really good camp. This year we designed it to bring him lighter, so he can play fast and I think his speed really showed up yesterday."
It was well-documented last season that offensive line was young and inexperienced, which showed on the field.
However, with a year under their belts and some added depth, Petrino is encouraged with the progress on the offensive line through nine practices.
"They're starting to jell and come around," Petrino said. "They are getting better. I'm encouraged by our understanding of what is going on."
"We're going to be a lot better at the tackle position. We have two guards who can really run. Yesterday was good for them, they have to be able to concentrate and focus when they are tired."
In Tuesday's scrimmage and practice on Wednesday, the tight end position was on display, and the amount of talent was evident with the amount of players, especially senior Cole Hikutini, who averaged a team-best 18.3 yards a catch last season.
"Cole Hikutini and Charles Standberry do a great job of running after the catch," Petrino said. "I'm really encouraged with those guys because we can move them around and line them up in different places. Cole is a really good guy who can run after the catch and can make the quarterback's job easier by turning a six-yard game into a 70-yard gain."
The Cardinals will return to the field on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. before participating in their second double session on Friday.
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