Kragthorpe’s New Class

Why was Louisville football coach Steve Kragthorpe so happy during the football signing celebration today at the Brown & Williamson Club? The coaches believe U of L has signed a class with some outstanding players.

Kragthorpe had an air of confidence about him, even though the crowd of 300 to 400 fans was more than a little subdued. One thing for certain is there won’t be any unrealistic expectations when the Cards take the field next season. Win a couple of games, however, and the bandwagon fans will be back in force.

The second year of the Kragthorpe era begins, should be fun, with some of the following signees and others destined to play major roles:

– Three super players from Cincinnati St. X, including running back Darrius Ashley, tight end Stephon Ball, and defensive end Gregg Scruggs. Team compiled 15-0 won-lost record, won state championship, ranked No. 1 in country by some polls. Quite a haul.

– Kicker Chris Philpott from Atlanta. Kicked 53 of 57 kickoffs out of the end zone, made 30 of 30 on extra points, connected on 12 of 15 field goals, including distances of 49, 50 and 51 yards.

–Wide receiver Jacques Caldwell from Garland, Texas. Clocked at 4.27 in the 40 yard dash. First impression, visions of Pat White, faster than a speeding bullet in video highlights.

– Offensive lineman Mario Benavides from Los Fresnos, Texas. Pancaked (flattened) an amazing 200 defenders in three seasons.

– Tight end Nathan Nord, Boca Raton, Florida. Tall and rangy 6-5, 230 pounds. A big and trusted target for Hunter Cantwell, Matt Sims, Tyler Wolfe, or Zack Stoudt. Another Nord at U of L, never a bad thing.

– Quarterback Zack Stoudt, Columbus, Ohio. Threw for 3,547 yards and 34 touchdowns. Good bloodlines, son of former Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Cliff Stoudt.