Vance Bedford once started at cornerback for the University of Texas so he knows a thing or two about the position. Just ask Charles Gaines, who moved from wide receiver to cornerback this season for the University of Louisville football team.
The teacher was matched up again the student briefly during Wednesday practice session. Bedford, playing receiver, went one way, then quickly changed direction again, totally confusing Gaines, watching on his backside as the coach skirted toward the end zone.
Laughter all around from fans who witnessed the demonstration. Lesson learned by the Gaines, the quickest player on the team, looking better the second time around. The coach winded, catching his breath, proclaiming, “i’m getting too old for this stuff.”
Another large crowd on hand for the second practice session, many new faces, all eager to catch a look at the early development of the UofL football team. For the first time ever for a practice session, there was indeed a concession stand for Cardinal apparel. Even bottles of cold water, selling for $3.25 per unit, snaring six takers in two hours according to the vendor.
They would see Teddy Bridgewater, a great quarterback, offering some advice to James Quick, a freshman and future great wide receiver, during position workouts. Bridgewater obviously wanting to get Quick up to speed as soon as possible.
They would also witness the sight of big B. J. Butler, all 6-foot-2, 275 pounds of him, catching a pass like a tight end and thundering toward the end zone stripes. Pity anyone who gets in his way this season.
They would also see the aforementioned Charles Gaines intercepting a couple of passes from backup quarterbacks and swatting balls away from the heralded DaVante Parke. Gaines, by the way, apparently likes playing defense, chattering like a former local prizefighter when he makes a good play.
Damian Copeland, UofL’s leading receiver last season, continues to be a favorite target for Bridgewater because he catches the next-to-impossible catches with people all over him.
Punter John Wallace was booming kicks into the stratosphere in the direction of Kai De La Cruz (formerly Cal Dominguez), Corvin Lamb, and Parker, believe it or not.
So much talent and depth to go around on Floyd Street these days it seems.