Some really nice surprises as the University of Louisville football team swarmed the practice field for the first time, the beginning of practice for what could be an epic 2013 season.
The first surprise was that things got started 30 minutes before the announced time of 5:30. Fans who wanted to get there early were already late because Charlie Strong and company were eager to get started. The warm ups were dispensed of early and players had already broken a sweat at 5 p.m.
The second was having to park about two block away from the normal spot, almost to the Green Lot, because of the number of fans, probably between 1,500 and 2,000 of them had also arrived early. Sprinkled nicely with hard core fans and families, girl friends and parents.
Reminiscent of a crowd from the mid-Sixties for a regular season football game. Only this was a practice session. The only things missing were tailgating and concession stands. Someone mentioned that bleachers would have been nice. He was right because the crowd was eight to nine rows deeps in spots.
Another nice surprise was seeing Defensive Line Coordinator Clint Hurtt on the field. The athletic staff apparently thought he had spent enough time at home preparing for his NCAA case and is much more valuable on the sideline. The NCAA thing might not be settled for months.
Then there were running back Senorise Perry taking handoffs, several months after undergoing knee surgery. He was taking handoffs, making sharp cuts, finding daylight even with a brace on his knee. He may be back much sooner than expected.
No surprise Teddy Bridgewater looking as calm and collected as ever, finding receivers all over the field. He doesn’t seek attention, just blending in with teammates, quietly and efficiently getting the job done.
His backup, 6-foot-5 Will Gardner, resembling Brian Brohm at times in the pocket at times, learning the system, making strides, providing some assurance of more depth at the vital position.
Yes, Michael Dyer was there, short and stocky, 5-9, 215 pounds, muscle from head to foot, quick, deceptive and strong, a Ray Rice fire hydrant prototype, propelling through the line with ease during position sessions. He’s going to be very good.
DaVante Parker, James Quick, Damian Copeland and all those other talented wide receivers were doing their thing, making all the catches look easy.
So much talent everywhere one looked, with coaches in their faces all the while. The time has come to start putting it all together.
Just found your blog – nice article – always nice to have another site to visit for UofL sports. I will definitely be coming back often – keep up the good work!