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The Cardinal Countdown: 43 Days Until Kickoff

By CardinalStrong
gocards.com

#43 Patrick Soucy

Class: Sophomore

Ht/Wt: 6-0/185

Position: Kicker

Hometown: Russell, KY

Twitter: @P_Soucy

Thoughts: Patrick is a walk-on from Russell High School in his second year with the Cards. The good news for Soucy (not sure how it’s supposed to be pronounced but I will refer to him as “sauce-y” from now on) is that the kicker position is wide open heading into the Fall. Most have their eyes on Blanton Creque, an All-State kicker battling through an injury this Spring, and Evan O’Hara, who got first team reps with the Red Team in the Spring game, but Patrick is more than in the mix as well. Tony Grantham appeared on the world renowned ‘Ramsey & Rutherford Show’ back on July 7th and said the kicker position is something they will keep a very close eye on through the fall and hope to find a solid starter a few weeks before the first game against Charlotte.

If pressed, with 43 days until we pack PJCS, I’m probably leaning towards Blanton if he’s healthy, but wouldn’t be shocked if P-Saucy got some reps as well. In fact, if things get a little out of hand (we’re winning by 5 or 6 TDs at half) I’d like to see Blanton, Patrick, and Evan all get an opportunity to see some live action PT. Even though Wallace got some heat last year against Clemson (and missed PAT in bowl) we are looking to replace one of the best kickers, statistically, to come through Louisville in some time.

Here’s hoping one of these guys steps up big and that people start to pay a little more attention to a VERY important void we're filling in 2016.

Sweet Tweet:

As a man who is now considered “mid-30’s” I am starting to struggle with how to dress. Do I continue to dress like I did in my twenties or does that make me look old? Do I try and dress younger or does that make me look like I’m trying to hard? I’m leaning towards going straight “dad fit”. Khaki shorts, solid color polo, and some white kicks. My kids may laugh but I’m gonna be one comfortable old man at the BBQ.

Team #NeverMandals though. Can't do it.

#43 Damien Smith

Class: Sophomore

Ht/Wt: 6-1/215

Position: Linebacker

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

Twitter: @ddWizzlle

Thoughts: Damien is in his second year with the Cards but didn’t see any game action last season. Tough to imagine that will change in 2016 with the likes of Fields, Hearns, Young, McCrae, FamU, Greenard, etc on the depth chart at outside backer. Damien came into the program with some solid credentials ranked as the 5th best OLB in the state in 2014 by MaxPreps and was named to the all-District team back in 2014 alongside Cardinal teammate Mason King (St. X-K). Damien was also in the 2014 ‘Best of the Bluegrass’ all-star game, was named Defensive MVP at Manual, and was an all-star academic athlete in 2014 as well.

One would expect Damien to continue to get the majority of his reps on the practice squad for the foreseeable future but as I’ve stated numerous times before, if we’re filling up the practice team with players, I’d prefer they be talented hometown kids. Glad D. Smith is on board.

Sweet Tweet:

You won’t @ me though….

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