Sophomore cornerback Andrew Johnson soars to snare the ball during passing drills for defensive players on the first day of fall practice.
So begins the third season for Charlie Strong, as head coach of the University of Louisville. The opening day of fall football practice is always special, signaling an end to the summer doldrums, finally a chance to resume the development process.
Just a few years ago it was sometimes difficult locating the head coach during practice sessions, even with a spotter. That was then, this is now. Charlie Strong seems to be everywhere, especially if one is an incoming freshman.
Practices are all business, underscored by the presence of a large digital clock and air horn timing all segments of the choreographed sessions. Players all seem to know what’s coming next, what needs to get done. Plenty of water breaks but no shortcuts, little joking around, and certainly no time to relax. Miss a beat and a coach is in your face.
Probably 1,100 fans on hand, all ages, for what is becoming a tradition for more Louisville fans. There are, of course, the usual faces in the crowd, the guys attempting to dissect every move and former players reliving their college days. But there are also more women, many more children, even a couple of youth football teams. A family atmosphere prevailing on the sideline.
The long wait is over, life can resume for U of L football fans.