The biggest problem facing the University of Louisville football team last year seemed to be the grass at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. This spring, it's the offense that is not yet in full bloom. Louisville does have a Heisman Contender. His name is Dave Ragone. The senior-to-be out of Ohio has been named Conference USA MVP not once, but twice in the last two back-to-back seasons. Ragone is a stalking 6-4, 240 pound athlete with a cannon for an arm. The offense starts here. One point to be made on the offense is the concern for Dave Ragone's protection. The offensive line will be the weakest link for the Cards, as made evident in the spring. Reports out of spring were that Ragone ran for his life, as did many of the backup QB's. New faces have popped up everywhere across the front line, not many have been on campus all that long. The project is going to be a difficult course for coaches when it comes time to settle in on a starting unit. The running back situation looked to anoint a favorite this spring, but due to some health problems, a promising Lionel Gates and company missed some much-needed experience. So now T.J. Patterson is the returning prospect once again in the one-back set. The receivers aren't much unparalleled from the offensive line situation. There are no Deion Branch's out there. A number of competitors exist for the three receiver slots, but none have taken full command. The depth factor here is real nice so fans need not fret. Coach Smith gave his receivers high marks for effort but said their execution was lacking, particularly when it came to hanging on to passes. Junior-college transfer James Taylor led all receivers in the spring game with five catches for 52 yards. Certainly not to be forgotten is the tight end spot with Ronnie Ghent. He is a NationalChamps.net Preseason All-American, not just for last year's performance, but also for a consistency shown the past two seasons. The man's numbers in 2000 were astonishing. The bottom line is that this spring did not tell much for the offense. Coach Smith didn't expect them to flourish against the Cards' first-string defense, but the offense has a long, long way to go.

Every position on the defense has at least one man who started last fall. More talent and more depth at every position exist than most Card fans have ever seen in a red and white uniform. The line is strong, quick and deep and anchored by All-American candidate Dewayne White, who said his goal this summer is to bulk up from 277 pounds to 285. He already is receiving major hype from National Football League draft analysts. The defensive backs from the first string and on down through the depth charts are all competitive. Probably the most underrated part of the defense is the linebacker play of tested veterans Chad Lee, Michael Brown, and Rod Day. The only concern for the defense is depth at linebacker. All three mentioned have done some hard lifting in the weight room and continue to get stronger. The corners have shutdown ability and the safeties are experienced and opportunistic. Very good depth flows at all of the defensive back positions. With the ability to pressure up front and good man coverage underneath, look for another All-American Anthony Floyd, to have another huge year in the interception category. If there is one thing possibly missing it might be a true, punishing inside linebacker bent on stuffing the run. Broderick Clark continues to give the offense excellent field position on punt and kick returns. This guy will be a huge weapon for the Cardinals in the fall. The defense will be the entire strength of the 2002 team. Simply put in the words of Dave Ragone, ''A good defense is a quarterback's best friend,'' he said. ''And I've got some real good friends over there.''