All Entries in the "Football" Category
Charlie Strong Focused, Driven
Then there’s this about University of Louisville football coach Charlie Strong from J. C. Schubburt, a recriting analyst from ESPN:
It’s easy to say Strong will be able to recruit well at Louisville, but there is tangible evidence in both the 2010 and 2011 classes.
Since Strong took over, the Cardinals have received 11 commitments for 2010, including pledges from Under Armour All-American offensive lineman Torrian Wilson (Miami/Northwestern), four-star defensive end B.J. Butler (Kissimmee, Fla./Osceola) and four-star receiver Michaelee Harris (Miami/Northwestern).
It could end up being one of the best classes in the Big East this recruiting cycle.
Strong’s popularity among Florida recruits and his ability to form relationships with those recruits (something that is paramount for any head coach hoping to succeed in recruiting) has been big.
“The main reason why I picked Louisville is because of Coach Strong himself,” Harris said. “I just like the mentality that he has as a head coach. When you talk to him, you can tell that he is very focused and driven. He’s used to winning and is even speaking about next year and us winning a BCS championship. We may not do it next year, but that’s his mentality.”
Wilson picked the Cardinals shortly after returning from an official visit to Memphis this past weekend.
“I had a great relationship with Coach Strong when he was at Florida,” Wilson said.
Read the rest of his report here.
College Football Signing Period
Louisville Recruiting Bonanza Continues
Exciting stuff, people.
Check ‘em out, the football recruiting verbals to Charlie Strong and the University of Louisville football program this weekend. And you know he’s only just begun.
Torrian Wilson
- Torrian Wilson, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound offensive lineman, became the third player from Miami Northwestern to commit. He’s described by ESPN as having great size and quick feet, often dominating smaller defensive linemen and driving them into the linebacker level, staying with his block till the whistle. (Other Northwestern commits are Michaelee Harris, a wide receiver, and Corvin Lamb, running back.)
Marcus Smith
- Marcus Smith, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback from Columbus, Ga., held a scholarship offer from Florida but switched this weekend, verbaling to Louisville. He also was sought by Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and South Florida. Smith threw for 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns while also rushing for 200 yards last fall. He told a Georgia recruiting web site last spring that he grew up liking Georgia and Tennessee but wanted to play at Florida.
Brandon Dunn
- Brandon Dunn, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive tackle from Pleasure Ridge Park, switched from Kentucky to Louisville. Considered one of the best defensive players in the state, Dunn said Louisville had been his top choice all along and was just waiting for a call from Charlie Strong.
Anthony McClung
- Anthony McClung, a 6-foot, 175-pound wide receiver from Indianapolis Pike, chose Louisville after considering West Virginia, Cincinnati, Ball State and Akron. McClung had almost 700 yards receiving and seven touchdowns as a senior.
He’s only just begun.
Skip Holtz To South Florida
The question that only a football coach in this position can answer is how one could leave a program so abruptly, harming his former school’s recruiting efforts and insulting the players left behind. Coaches demand trust and respect … for what? Most make a mad rush for the door when more lucrative opportunities arise.
Fun Time Again For Louisville Football
by Paul Sykes
Say hello to Charlie Strong, then get out of the way.
The new University of Louisville football coach has taken to the recruiting trail like Gen. Sherman did during the Civil War. Picking up verbals at an unprecedented pace, each new commitment more impressive than the last it seems.
Any Charlie Strong recruiting list is almost out of date as soon as it is published because he never stops. Here’s just a sampling of players who will be impact players in the near future:
Karmal Hogan
- Kamal Hogan, Running Back, Montvale, NJ. — He’s a speedster who can bust one up the middle for big yardage or turn the corner and outrun defensive backs. His running style reminds many of NFL star Knowshon Moreno.
- Michaelee Harris, Wide Receiver, Miami — Harris has a ton of upside. During his senior year at Miami Northwestern, Harris used his long arms and big hands to become the clutch “go to” receiver. He sets up defensive backs very well, runs precise and accurate routes and has 4.5 speed in the 40. He’ll remind seasoned Louisville fans of Mark Clayton.
- B. J. Butler, Defensive End, Osceola, Fla. — Butler is a pass rushing, quarterback sacking machine. His quickness and mobility off the defensive line allows him to blow by offensive tackles and if they do manage to get in front of him he simply manhandles them and continues his pursuit. The Cards haven’t had a pass rusher this talented since that guy named Elvis prowled the PJCS turf. Georgia’s loss is U of L’s gain.
- Harris Bivin, Defensive Lineman, Owensboro — Biven was originally recruited by Greg Nord but has stayed with the Cards, and Strong wants him badly. Bivin recorded 68 tackles (28 for losses), seven sacks, two fumbles forced and two recovered as a senior. Opponents prefer not to run over his defensive tackle position. At 6-foot-2, 295 pounds, who could blame them?
Louisville currently has 21 commits. Most are three stars or better. Most importantly, they are players Charlie Strong wants, not players for which U of L has had to settle. Watching them come together is going to be even more fun.
