Photo by: Adam Creech | Louisville Athletics
Thomas Confident That Cunningham is Ready to Lead the Team in Next Week's Opener
August 25, 2022 | Football
The University of Louisville is just nine days away from the season opener versus Syracuse, and quarterbacks coach Pete Thomas is confident that Malik Cunningham is ready to lead the Cardinals' offense this fall.
"Malik has always been a great quarterback.," Thomas said. "We know what he can do with his legs, but he's a very, very good thrower. He looks ready to go for the opener in the JMA Wireless Dome.
Cunningham has enjoyed playing the Orange over the last three seasons, accounting for 13 touchdowns in three wins, all coming at home. UofL travels to Syracuse for the first time since 2018.
"We know it's a tough place to play," Thomas said. "We have to be ready to play from the opening kickoff, andÂ
I think we are well-prepared and have had a great camp."
The focus this camp has been the continued development of Cunningham as a passer, which is strange for a player who has thrown for almost 8,000 yards and 62 touchdowns.
 "He's getting comfortable making those elite throws that are going to take us from a good team to a great team," Thomas said. "I think he's getting a lot more comfortable in the pocket and ripping those balls into those tight windows. I think that is really going take us to the next the next level as an offense."
Thomas has seen Cunningham take that next step as a precise passer this fall, which will elevate his game to an even higher level, which is hard to believe for a quarterback who accounted for 39 touchdowns a year ago.
"There's a couple times last year where you know the guys are covered, but he made those tight throws. We need that again. If he does make that throw, it could be a 25 yard gain and saves a hit off him. We've really tried to limit him running the football this fall camp. Obviously, we know what he can do there, but we want him more comfortable sitting in the pocket, sliding in the pocket and keeping his eyes downfield."
One of the more experienced quarterbacks returning with 39 career starts, Cunningham is looked upon to lead this team as it tries to compete for a league title.
"He's definitely stepped up as a leader," Thomas said. I can see him talking to receivers on how he wants a route run and how he thinks they should run around to get open versus tough coverage. It means a lot more coming from him. So he's taking a bigger leadership role this fall and I think he's doing a great job."
Senior offensive guard Caleb Chandler has also seen a growth in Cunningham as the team's leader.
"He was kind of reserved before and when he was younger, he was quiet," Chandler said. However, when Malik talks, everybody listens because we know Malik is our guy. I think he's done a very good job in that leadership role over the summer getting guys to come in everyday, ready to go when we go out and practice. He made sure his everybody's ready to go."
Everyone will be looking toward Cunningham next Saturday at 8 p.m. when the Cards open the season. If fall camp is any indication, UofL fans will like what they see.Â
"Malik has always been a great quarterback.," Thomas said. "We know what he can do with his legs, but he's a very, very good thrower. He looks ready to go for the opener in the JMA Wireless Dome.
Cunningham has enjoyed playing the Orange over the last three seasons, accounting for 13 touchdowns in three wins, all coming at home. UofL travels to Syracuse for the first time since 2018.
"We know it's a tough place to play," Thomas said. "We have to be ready to play from the opening kickoff, andÂ
I think we are well-prepared and have had a great camp."
The focus this camp has been the continued development of Cunningham as a passer, which is strange for a player who has thrown for almost 8,000 yards and 62 touchdowns.
 "He's getting comfortable making those elite throws that are going to take us from a good team to a great team," Thomas said. "I think he's getting a lot more comfortable in the pocket and ripping those balls into those tight windows. I think that is really going take us to the next the next level as an offense."
Thomas has seen Cunningham take that next step as a precise passer this fall, which will elevate his game to an even higher level, which is hard to believe for a quarterback who accounted for 39 touchdowns a year ago.
"There's a couple times last year where you know the guys are covered, but he made those tight throws. We need that again. If he does make that throw, it could be a 25 yard gain and saves a hit off him. We've really tried to limit him running the football this fall camp. Obviously, we know what he can do there, but we want him more comfortable sitting in the pocket, sliding in the pocket and keeping his eyes downfield."
One of the more experienced quarterbacks returning with 39 career starts, Cunningham is looked upon to lead this team as it tries to compete for a league title.
"He's definitely stepped up as a leader," Thomas said. I can see him talking to receivers on how he wants a route run and how he thinks they should run around to get open versus tough coverage. It means a lot more coming from him. So he's taking a bigger leadership role this fall and I think he's doing a great job."
Senior offensive guard Caleb Chandler has also seen a growth in Cunningham as the team's leader.
"He was kind of reserved before and when he was younger, he was quiet," Chandler said. However, when Malik talks, everybody listens because we know Malik is our guy. I think he's done a very good job in that leadership role over the summer getting guys to come in everyday, ready to go when we go out and practice. He made sure his everybody's ready to go."
Everyone will be looking toward Cunningham next Saturday at 8 p.m. when the Cards open the season. If fall camp is any indication, UofL fans will like what they see.Â
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