The first installment of the Coach Jeff Brohm spring football tradition had the usual highlights and mistakes. A couple things stood out — the offense will be fun to watch, the defense will continue to be good.
In a scoring system designed by Brohm, the defense was awarded two points for a stop, three-out or fourth down stop, three points, turnover not returned for a touchdown, five points and touchdown seven points.
The Red defense won 51-30, largely because of three interceptions (15 points). A defensive standout was red shirt sophomore T.J. Quinn who had eight tackles and an interception. Daniel Martens and Jack Reiger had seven tackles each.
“The defense was pretty good during the second half of the season (last year),” said Brohm who spends long hours evaluating film.
The fun was watching California transfer Jack Plummer throw two touchdowns and backup Brock Domann. Plummer was 10-for-13 for 170 yards. Domann was nine of 14 for 71 yards.
Plummer got off to a slow mainly because the young offensive line wasn’t blocking. He was under constant pressure scrambling. He figured it out, though, throwing two scores to walk on tight end Jeff Lifson with 12 yard lob and a 70-yard bomb. The attack also included a completed double flea flicker that Plummer executed excited the 3,000 or so fans on a rain soaked evening.
Asked why he would leave California for Louisville, Plummer said. “A lot of it is the system and it’s a great system. The plan is very quarterback friendly. I mean every quarterback he’s had back to Western Kentucky has played in the NFL. Some are still playing in the NFL. That’s something that’s drawn to me and that’s to play at the next level.”
Plummer certainly looks the part of a quarterback. Long lanky at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds and a strong throwing arm. The running game looked like last season as Maurice Turner 57 yards and a touchdown. Isaac Guerendo added 37 yards.
“Without question we do have some key guys that can make plays for us on both sides of the ball,” said Brohm. “We just have to continue to develop on both sides of the ball as well. That’s the key.”
Beginning Monday Brohm said he will talk with each player and analyze strengths and weaknesses. He said he will also evaluate every player in the transfer portal. “I’ll see if the player is the right fit and if he can help us in an area a of need.”
There will be a lot of analyzing so when fall camp begins this team will be ready. Defections, injuries will happen. A lot to do in a little over three months.
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Brohm has added former UofL defensive standout Mark Sander to his staff. Sander played on the 1991 Fiesta Bowl champions that beat Alabama and is second all-time in tackles. He has coached at DeSales, Iroquois and Bullitt East over the last decade.
Sander also spent time as a player with the Miami Dolphins. He will have several assignments including player development, quality control and will assist in football operations.
