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Any Charlie Strong recruiting list is almost out of date as soon as it is published because he never stops.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:

  • 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.

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By Paul Sykes

Paul Sykes owns Paul Sykes Advertising and does contract work for other advertising and publishing firms. The proud husband of Sonja, he has a fascination with bears, bars and Cardinal sports. He's also the moderator of CardinalCouple.blogspot.com

3 thoughts on “Fun Time Again For Louisville Football”
  1. Great report Paul.

    BTW, the correct name is Harris Bivin, the bone-crushing DT from Apollo Owensboro.

    Defense is looking good, plus we get back Terence Simien at S to anchor the secondary. That lacerated kidney should not do a thing to his 4.5 speed at 6-3. That kid could cover Randy Moss or Andre Johnson, a BIG prototypical NFL WR.

  2. Howard said it best and with the addition of Charlie Strong, we are indeed again “on a collision course with the national championship, and the only variable is time”. Yes, Louisville football is back!

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