Ledford Happy with the Progress of Offense after Spring Practice

Louisville, Ky. – The University of Louisville football staff are an extremely close, tight-knit group. They can often be seen working out together, having lunch, or playing basketball.

However, because of world circumstances, the staff has found different ways to connect during these trying times.

"Coach Satterfield and the staff usually have meetings daily using zoom," Ledford said. "We can also have virtual meetings now with our guys and I do that three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It's been very good, not from the standpoint of just talking football or discussions with the guys but, it allows the guys the opportunity to see each other."

Ledford begins his second season as the offensive coordinator after overseeing an offense that was one of the most explosive in the nation, leading the country with six passing plays of over 70 yards. The Cardinals averaged 33.1 points per game and 447.3 yards of total offense. Wide receiver Tutu Atwell and running back Javian Hawkins were only the third duo at UofL to record 1,000-yard receiving and rushing seasons, respectively.

After a historical turnaround season last season, Ledford and the rest of the offense expects to continue to improve and be even better in 2020.

"We were fortunate that we were able to get seven practices in," Ledford said. "In one of our meetings, we went back and watched our last practice so the technology that we have is affording us opportunities to still build and connect with our players. I was extremely happy with the way our offense played in the spring. There was a ton of retention from the bowl game and I think these spring practices have been better than the ones from bowl week. The guys are playing at a very high level and I'm pleased seeing guys develop and grow."

Asked about what players stood out this spring, Ledford noted that quarterback Micale Cunningham, offensive linemen Renato Brown and Adonis Boone and wide receiver Christian Fitzpatrick on the offensive side.

Ledford was also quick to point out that he saw improvements on the defense.

"The defense was playing very fast and knew the system well. Jared Goldwire and Ty Montgomery were having a really good spring."

With the offense continuing to gain momentum, they still have work to do heading into the summer. Ledford said, "the next step for the offense is being better at execution. I think the guys understand the type of effort and speed we want them to play at. There were certain games during the season where the execution wasn't quite there, so those guys have continued to take ownership in wanting to be the best offense in the conference and the way to do that is to execute."

In wake of the dead period, Ledford and the team continue to work hard and prepare for the upcoming season. It is more difficult than ever but with the help of technology and the ability to stay connected, he sees the team moving in the right direction.

There is so many unanswered questions during this time of crisis, but Ledford feels thatr if they players had about two months to prepare, then the season could go off without a hitch.
"If you had 60 days, you feel like you have a good opportunity to make sure the guys are in shape, they're honed in and ready to go to training camp," Ledford said. "Whatever it is, we're going to have to adjust. It will be totally different than anything we've done before in years passed. Everybody is having to deal with it, it's not just certain teams or certain conferences. We're all in this together and we've got to make the most out of it."

Ledford Happy with the Progress of Offense after Spring Practice

Players Mentioned

Adonis Boone

Renato Brown

Malik Cunningham

Christian Fitzpatrick

Jared Goldwire

University of Louisville Athletics