A few football notes

We are only weeks away from the start of fall practice for the Louisville Cardinals and the anticipation is starting to build. The Cardinal Caravan has begun, with running backs/special teams coach Kenny Carter representing the football team on the first stop in Frankfort. Coach Carter spoke to fans about the 2012 Cards, but I found his comment regarding his group of running backs to be particularly interesting.

“I think this is as talented as any backfield I’ve had, and I’ve had some really good ones. They can do a little bit of everything, but the best thing about them is that they’re interchangeable. Shawn (Watson) doesn’t have to alter his play-calls depending on who’s in the game. They can all pass-protect, they all run well after contact, they all catch the ball well.”

Carter continued.

“If you can’t block, you can’t pass protect, you can’t play. Period. Some people will give a back an opportunity to just be a runner or a pass-catcher. We don’t separate that in our scheme. So if you can’t do it all, you can’t play.”

I love hearing that. Too often, teams can get into a habit of using certain players in specific situations, which in reality will tip off what they’re doing to the opposing team. By using all running backs in all packages, you do not run the risk of the defense getting a major clue as to what’s about to come. And as I understand the game, the less the defense knows about the play you’re running, the chances of success improve dramatically.

In other football news, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been named to the Davey O’Brien Award watch list. Some other notable quarterbacks on the list include Aaron Murray from Georgia, Braxton Miller (no relation) of Ohio State, BJ Daniels of South Florida, and Tyler Wilson from Arkansas. There are approximately 122 names on this list, but realistically only 10-12 will win this award. It’s nice to be noticed though right?

Some quick hits:

-There has been some discussion amongst Louisville fans in regards to potential breakout players for this 2012 squad. Teddy Bridgewater and DeVante Parker are usually at the forefront of that discussion, and for good reason, but I’ll go with linebacker Preston Brown. The 6-2, 255-lb junior from Cincinnati started 11 games last season and finished 2nd on the team with 84 tackles. With Dexter Heyman departing, I think Brown is poised for a big year.

-Another name to look for is senior cornerback Adrian Bushell. The DeSoto, Texas native was a critical addition the Cards last season and a big reason why the Cards went to a bowl game for a second strait season. Bushell not only proved his worth in the defensive backfield, but showed himself to be a huge contributor on special teams. Whether it be returning kicks or blocking field goals, Bushell’s speed is a big weapon for Louisville and I think he’s a potential all-Big East first teamer.

-As excited as I am for watching games in the Oven, I am equally excited about seeing/hearing what the Prince of Panic has in store for our section this season. Allow me to explain. The Prince of Panic is a young man around the age of 30 who sits a few rows behind me. He claims to have played high school football, but I claim, based on comments he makes during games, he is lying.

For example, during the Cincinnati game in 2010, when Louisville was winning 24-21 in the 3rd quarter, UofL chose to attempt a field goal on 4th and 8 from UC’s 23 yard line. The Prince of Panic stands up and yells, “What are we doing? This is the whole game! If we get a touchdown here we seal it!”

In the 3rd quarter. An 11 point lead would have “sealed the game.” In the 3rd quarter.

I really hope he renewed his tickets.

That’s it for now. Get out to the Cardinal Caravan if you can, it’s always a good time.#L1C4