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The Cardinal Countdown: 8 days until kickoff

By CardinalStrong
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

#8 Gerod Holliman

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Class: RS Sophomore

Ht/Wt: 6-1/213

Position: Safety

Hometown: Miami, Fla

Twitter: @GMS_HOTROD

Thoughts: Anytime you lose two safeties to the NFL it’s going to be tough to recover at the position. During the summer safety was one of my "concern" areas even with the move of Floyd, but it had nothing to do with Holliman. I knew Gerod could hold his own back there; I just had no idea who his partner in crime was going to be. Even though Gerod is just a Sophomore I feel like he’s been around for awhile and he had some pretty solid guys to learn the position from the last couple seasons. My only fear in regards to Holliman is his health. As a true freshman Gerod suffered a pretty tough shoulder injury and spent a few months trying to get healthy again. Since that time  he’s been banged up a few times but fortunately nothing too severe. The problem is playing ACC competition week in and week out is bound to take its toll, and this is one position we don’t have the depth to deal with damages. Whether it’s Floyd or Sample back there with Holliman I think we’ll be okay eventually, but it may take some time before we start seeing the level of production from that position we've grown accustomed to.

Sweet Tweet:

I agree with Holliman, it’s his time to step up and take control of the defensive secondary. With Gerod and Gaines back there I think we have plenty of personality, emotion, and guidance, almost more than you should be legally aloud to cram into a 53 ½ yard space. Lock em down fellas.

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#8 Ryan Johnson

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Class: RS Senior

Ht/Wt: 5-11/198

Position: Punter

Hometown: Louisville, KY (Product of DeSales High School)

Twitter: @_rdjohnson

Thoughts: Johnson, a local product, has been the starting punter for the Cards the last two seasons and has done a pretty good job. Unless there was some oddball play that I have successfully blacked out of my memory I really can’t recall a "bad" punt from Johnson. Sure he had a couple small shanks, but nothing that was making me call for his head by any means. The last couple of seasons Johnson has improved his average punt distance and decreased his number of touchbacks. With the offensive running at a faster pace this year, thus equaling more possessions, we may see Johnson’s punt total increase but as long as he maintains that 40-45 yard average and the ability to drop it inside the 20 I’ll have very little to complain about. In regards to those "small shanks" though......well, the warden wants to see you in his office Ryan. Sorry buddy.

Sweet Tweet:

Figured this was a good way to put a cap on the summer. I’m sure everyone had a trip or two to the pool/lake/river/bathtub, whatever floats your boat (literally and figuratively I guess), and most will be ghost towns a week from tomorrow after Labor Day. Just a friendly reminder to get it all out of your system now folks cause we got nothing but pure, unadulterated, testosterone driven football for the next four months. Also, if you dislike that photo then you obviously hate America and the terrorists have won…

8 days!

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