Football Holds First Practice of Fall Camp
July 31, 2017 | Football
The Cardinals held a full team practice on Monday that was open to the public.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Monday marked the end of one countdown and the beginning of another for the University of Louisville football program.
The Cardinals held their first official fall practice, signaling that Louisville is 34 days away from its season opener against Purdue in Indianapolis. Fans were able to watch the full team compete for roughly two hours in helmets and shorts, with temperatures reaching the high 80s.
“It was great to get out there,” head coach Bobby Petrino said. “It was a really good day. This morning, we had a walk through. There's a lot of carry over to what we're doing. Some of the new guys have done a great job of learning and understanding what's going on. There are some really talented young guys and I'm excited about the class.
“We came out, and I thought they practiced hard. I thought they really worked on giving great effort. They practiced smart – we were practicing fast and physical, but they were taking care of their teammates; knowing when to pull off and avoiding some collisions in the secondary.”
While many eyes were on the reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson to see his continuing development as a passer, Cardinals fans also kept close watch of newly converted running back Reggie Bonnafon.
The Louisville native, Bonnafon primarily played wide receiver last year and tallied 12 catches for 141 yards. With the switch, it was obvious that the Trinity High product needed to add more bulk to his frame and the physical changes are quite evident. He said the goal, which he met, was to weigh between 210-215 pounds.
“Just grinding away in the weight room,” Bonnafon said when asked how he's physically prepared for the new position. “We came in with a plan after the season. The strength staff does a good job of knowing what position you play and what coach is going to ask of you. We go hard in the weight room, and now, being out on the field, it's just trusting what we've done in the offseason, letting go, and playing ball.”
Bonnafon's move to the backfield only deepens an already solid position group, which includes Jeremy Smith, Dae Williams, and highly touted freshman Colin Wilson. Petrino has already mentioned though that he wants to ensure Bonnafon has more influence on the offense and the senior is embracing it.
“Whenever my number is called, (I want to) maximize the yardage, whether it's a touchdown or first down,” Bonnafon said. “I'm going to do whatever I can to make plays for the team this year.”
On the opposite side of the ball, the Cardinals regain a critical piece in Trevon Young, who was injured in the first quarter of the 2015 Music City Bowl. The Des Moines, Iowa, native played 12 games that season and finished with 8.5 sacks and one interception.
Spending the entire 2016 season rehabbing the dislocated and fractured hip, it was a pleasant welcome to all to see Young back on the field – he did compete in the spring game – on Monday.
“It's tough. It's never fun to watch your teammates go out there and play (without you),” Young said. “I feel like I learned a lot and grew a lot as a person from having to sit out.”
While he backed away from recalling the incident that caused him to redshirt 2016, he wasn't shy about his expectations for 2017.
“I think we can be the best pass-rushing duo in the country,” Young said of teaming with fellow linebacker James Hearns. “We have skills that complement each other, and our whole defensive line is an experienced group and we can do a lot this year.”
The Cardinals will continue to prepare for the 2017 campaign on Tuesday, with a split practice. The newcomers will participate in the morning session and the veterans in the evening.
