Louisville began its conditioning program Tuesday morning with a run at 6 a.m., and the good news is that nearly every freshman has reported and is participating.
Seventeen of the 20 incoming freshmen are in school, the most Louisville has had come in early in quite some time. Clearly, Charlie Strong has made an impact on his young players, who made up the No. 1 class in the Big East in 2011.
The three who have not made it yet: highly-touted safety Gerod Holliman out of Miami, receiver Eli Rogers out of Miami (teammates with Teddy Bridgewater) and center Mike Romano out of Port St. Lucie, Fla. But not to worry, Cardinals fans. All three are expected to be in school in July.
Coaches always talk about the importance of getting into school as early as possible so they can immediately get into the conditioning program, which has taken on greater importance in college football today. It helps freshmen get adjusted to college life sooner, and what is expected now that they are a part of a Division I football program.
The newcomers join four freshmen and a transfer who have been in school since January: Bridgewater, Charles Gaines, Jarvis Giles (South Carolina transfer), Brandon Golson and Jermaine Reve. Hopes are high, of course, for Bridgewater to take the reins at quarterback.
Fall practice begins on August 4.