Monday Evening Cardinal News And Notes

While the news of James Sample's arrival at U of L was a nice lift for the Cardinal defense, Bobby Petrino also confirmed today that safety Michael Johnson is the lone member of his 2014 recruiting class who did not qualify. Johnson, who was expected to help out right away at the safety position, has enrolled at ASA junior college in Miami.

The Orlando Sentinel has the Cards ranked No. 21 in their preseason countdown.

The play of Louisville's 2014-15 backcourt was one of the biggest stories from day two of the adidas Nations camp.

- Louisville's backcourt puts together a good morning.

With the Cardinals playing their first season in the ACC, a question to be asked is how they'll go about accounting for the loss of Russ Smith on the perimeter. Smith began his career as an erratic player, only to develop into a first team All-American as a senior, and guards Chris Jones and Terry Rozier have both shown that they're ready to step forward and be even more productive than they were in 2013-14. In regards to Jones, he made good decisions with the basketball in his hands, and he was also good when it came to understanding when to look for his shot and when to set up the other players on his team. The key for Jones is continuing on that path and making sure it carries over into the season. (RJ)

Terry Rozier was the best player on the floor in the college camp counselor game I saw this morning and it really wasn't that close. The sophomore point guard from Louisville finished with 17 points and seven rebounds - in a game with six-minute quarters and some substitutions - and he was simply devastating with the ball in his hands. Often rebounding around rim level, Rozier would push tempo off of defensive boards and utilized a lethal mid-range pull-up that often resulted in a seemingly effortless basket. On high ball screens, Rozier was shifty enough to get in the lane at will and finish around the hoop or find teammates. While he has a propensity to over-penetrate and trap himself, and his perimeter jumper is still a work in progress, Rozier was very impressive in the morning game and has continued to have a breakout summer. (SP)

According to Mike Hughes of InsidetheVille.com, recent U of L running back/slot commit Traveon Samuel plans to graduate high school in December and enroll early at Louisville...which is cool.

It appears the Cards will be rocking all white helmets with red chrome facemasks during fall camp.

Got our practice helments pic.twitter.com/86TpsxlUnk

— Micky Crum™ (@TooHypeCrum) August 4, 2014

Looks as though former Card Jamaine Brooks is wrapping up his college career at Murray State.

Former U of L hoops recruit Allonzo Trier has committed to Arizona.

Louisville is in the final five for Donovan Mitchell, who will be visiting U of L this Friday and Saturday.

Final 5 no order pic.twitter.com/ZwnLoRAHdR

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 4, 2014

Mitchell is currently visiting with Villanova.

Congratulations to former Cardinal pitcher/St. Matthews Little League legend Skylar Meade, who has accepted a job as the pitching coach and top assistant at Michigan State.

Clearly we need to bring this guy to town when Prince Ali comes for his visit on Sept. 6.

I need one of these pins to wear on my tux for my wedding day.

Great Cardinal moments immortalized in lapel form needs to become a thing. I would wear my "David Levitch no look pass against UConn" pin everywhere.

Miami quarterback Kevil Olsen is officially suspended for the Louisville game.

Major changes are coming to ESPN's "College GameDay" this year.

The Sole2Soul Foundation along with the Living Legends Basketball League is presenting the 1st Annual "Battle for the Backpacks Basketball Tournament" on August 9th - 10th at the Louisville Sports Academy. This 5 on 5 adult men's tournament is to raise money to donate backpacks filled with school supplies for children currently residing at the Home of the Innocents. There is also an award for the winning team.

If you are interested in helping out this great cause by giving donations and/or wanting to enter a team into the tournament please contact Louis at 812-207-5498 or Reinaldo at 502-296-8869. This event is being sponsored by NPAS-National Patient Account Services.

The Associated Press says Louisville and Bobby Petrino are both seeking a successful sequel.

Mayor Fischer enjoying Fancy Farm.

.@louisvillemayor feeling at home at Mayfield HS. #FancyFarm #GoCards @CardChronicle @ElleRaiser @cardsjenny pic.twitter.com/X6cFTh7Z3t

— Elizabeth Sawyer (@ElizaSawy) August 2, 2014

A U of L football preview from The Roanoke Times, which primarily covers Virginia.

The Sun-Herald in Biloxi says Louisville's 2004 Liberty Bowl victory over Boise State is the best in C-USA history...just ahead of the Cards' triumph over BYU three years prior.

1. 2004 Liberty Bowl - Louisville 44, Boise State 40: This game pitted the C-USA champion against a Boise State team that entered the contest with a 11-0 record out of the WAC. In a game that set offensive records for the Liberty Bowl, it was an interception by Louisville safety Kerry Rhodes that put the game way. Louisville went 11-1 that season, its final in C-USA before making the move to the Big East.

2. 2001 Liberty Bowl - Louisville 28, Brigham Young 10: The Cougars started that season 12-0 and were ranked in the top 10 for much of November before falling to Hawaii in the final regular season contest. Louisville put on a dominant defensive performance, holding BYU to 276 yards, 300 short of its season average. Quarterback Dave Ragone threw for three scores as Louisville capped the season with an 11-2 record.

Will Gardner discusses (video) what he loves most about U of L.

The Reynolds family letting Florida State know what the deal is:

Jeff Greer takes a closer look at the Cardinal running backs.

Peyton Siva says that his hamstring is improving and that he's looking forward to the next step in his professional career.

"Detroit was a great experience for me, but now this gives me a chance to continue my journey somewhere else," he said. "Now I get a chance to play with Orlando, so everything is working out."

Siva chatted and posed for pictures with fans, letting them try on the NCAA championship ring he won with the Cardinals in 2013. You're struck, if you watch for very long, how many just want to say a few words to him, or express gratitude for his role in the 2013 championship. 

He said that he plans to live in Louisville during his off seasons, noting that, "Louisville has always been like home to me. We stay here during the summer. My wife is from here. We enjoy it a lot."

Siva and his wife, Patience, are expecting their first child "anytime this month," he said. "We're on watch. It's exciting."

He said his health is improving and he's looking forward to doing whatever the Orlando organization needs him to do.

"I'm doing a lot better," he said. "My hamstring took a lot longer to get better than I thought it would, but I'm finally getting back on the court and running again, just looking forward to getting down to Orlando."

And finally, a reminder that the Louisville football team will take the field for an official practice for the first time Tuesday morning. Your first chance to see the Cards will be when the newcomers take the field at 8:50 a.m.