2006 Statistics

Getting All-American quarterback Brian Brohm to come back for his senior campaign is the most important thing for this offense to remain nearly unstoppable. But in getting new coordinator Charlie Stubbs to join new head coach and offensive genius Steve Kragthorpe so that they can bring their magic to UL, the possibilities seem endless. Pre-Kragthorpe (Petrino era) saw lots of traditional sets that had this offense ranked second for total effort…under the Missoula-native and his secret weapon (Stubbs), this offense can enter the 21st century in style. Most forget that Brohm, a superior hurler who is already on most Heisman short lists, can run pretty well, and that speed, like his keen mind for the intricacies of the game, will be an asset for the creative things he will soon be doing. Backup Hunter Caldwell proved his worth last year – his rating was higher than Brohm’s while Brian was injured. UL’s two main targets both return with All-Big East status, and a better pair of receivers cannot be found. Junior Mario Urrutia uses his 6’5 frame and gifted reach to pluck almost anything thrown his way out of the air, while senior Harry Douglas uses speed and cuts to get into deep open space. * Opponent alert…watch out for reserve receiver and ex-QB Patrick Carter throwing downfield on reverses. Also, where and how senior TE/HB Gary Barnidge (16.5 yards per catch) is utilized in this new-look offense remains a mystery, but his threat will keep the deep middle open, or else. Kragthorpe inherits a highly capable RB posse whose competition will only benefit the Card’s already potent running attack. Returning leading rusher George Stripling is the svelte type who is almost as dangerous in the flat (team high 19.4 ypc), while soph Anthony Allen is the thunder to Stripling’s lightning and a sure bet to convert at the goal line (13 TDs). Fullback Brock Bolen’s destiny is also undetermined, but his production and value can only help open up other variables if he is allowed to keep linebackers honest. Of course, this will all work due to a young-but-experienced line that doesn’t have a weak link. Left tackle George Bussey and center Eric Wood both earned all-conference accolades as sophomores, and the reshuffling of second-stringers Breno Giacomini and Marcel Benson into the open slots will work well right away. As long as Kragthorpe keeps it simple to start, the learning curve can kick in and his entire playbook will eventually be utilized with maximum impact.

Like on offense, the youth movement along the line will come to fruition this season. Helping to assure that this occurs is coordinator Mike Cassity, who remains from the last administration to provide continuity to the defensive proceedings. Significant departures amongst the bigmen seem replaceable with new faces who offer as much promise. just less proof of their prowess. Quick junior tackle Adrian Grady is a prime example – his modest numbers last year don’t speak for his surge this spring as a leader through example. Similarly, athletic freak Deantwan ‘Peanut’ Whitehead was solid enough as a freshman to start most of last year, while reserve tackle L.T. Walker has proven nearly unstoppable in his limited duty. The depth from recent recruiting classes is there, too. All of the revampings up front won’t hinder run stopping production, especially since three experienced starters return to the linebacking corps. Senior ex-DB Malik Jackson, the only regular starter back, rules his strongside with an uncanny ability in run support. Senior Smith and Myles (three FFs) saw the field extensively and even started when needed; both are mobile powerhouses who will need more big plays to keep the tradition at LB strong here. New reserves need to be found, too. The secondary, already rebuilding, had to again adjust to a new coach this spring when Keith Patterson, the new arrival with Kragthorpe from Tulsa, returned to his former Oklahoma haunt and Mike Mallory was grabbed from Kansas to fill the DB coaching vacancy. Junior Rod Council is thrust into the start at corner, and a trio of classmates who served in backup roles on the outside will vie for the other starting slot. Getting the top JUCO transfer, 6’2 CB Woodny Turenne, will surely put him in the mix there somewhere. Russell and Thomas were the first-team pair at safety all spring - Russell’s big play mentality mixed with ex-WR Thomas’ yet-to-be-seen upside after his huge showing as a true frosh means no lull in Louisville’s production here. UL only allowed four foes to get more than 20 points off of them (only one to break 30), but allowing 78 points in the fourth represented the largest point total of any quarter by far for foes, so the new administration has to motivate this D for a full 60 minutes to maximize its potential.