#11 B.J. Dubose

Class: Sophomore Ht/Wt: 6-5/265 Position: Defensive End Hometown: Oakland Park, Fla

Louisville’s Take: Versatile lineman who worked way into defensive line rotation as season progressed ... made first start at Cincinnati... showed potential as a pass rusher and a run stopper... continues to get better on the interior line.

Thoughts: BJ came on strong as a freshman last season. He played in all 13 games and ended up becoming a starter towards the end of the year seeing action at both d-end and the interior position. Out of all defensive linemen that played last year, BJ grabbed the third most tackles with twenty-two. After the first few practices this fall it appears that Dubose has maintained his starting role on the line and will look to increase his impact from last year. As a true sophomore this year, I’m both excited and a bit nervous to see how year two goes for BJ. It could be great with major improvements in skill and technique or it could be the dreaded sophomore slump. I’ve got a feeling BJ will keep the pedal to the floor and we’ll see a great lineman get better.

Potential Nicknames: "Coolio", "Dubose in the hood"

#11 Will Gardner

Class: Freshman Ht/Wt: 6-5/200 Position: Quarterback Hometown: Douglas, Ga

Louisville’s Take: Played for Ken Eldridge at Coffee High School... three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com... rated as the 29th-best pro-style quarterback by Rivals.com... ranked 47th by Scout.com... the top-rated quarterback prospect in Class 5-A... has good release on throws and has the ability to scramble out of the pocket... consistent play helped stabilize offense at Coffee High School... ruptured ACL in victory over Brunswick and missed entire senior season...

Thoughts: So once again, a Cardinal recruit gets bit by the injury bug prior to even throwing on a red and black jersey. Rupturing his ACL last fall caused Gardner to miss the entire season of his senior year of high school. The interesting part of this story is that due to the injury, Will’s name pretty much fell off a cliff in the world of recruiting. Some may forget but Will chose UofL over the likes of Alabama and Mississippi State (They supposed to be SEC!) While he may not see action this year, I can without a doubt see Will being the predecessor to one Mr. Bridgewater. Sure, we’ve got some guys who will be battling it over the next few years but I expect to see Will rise to the top. Only time will tell.

Potential Nicknames: "Willie G", "Gard Dog"