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The Cardinal Countdown: 15 Days Until Kickoff

By CardinalStrong
Courier-Journal

#15 Sean McCormack

Class: Freshman

Ht/Wt: 6-5/209

Position: Quarterback

Hometown: Darien, Ill

Twitter: @sean_mack3

Thoughts: If the name Sean McCormack doesn’t ring a bell for most Cards fans…well….that’s completely acceptable. McCormack was a late addition to the team, signing as a preferred walk-on almost two months after National Signing Day back in April. Sean has the look of a big time QB (6-5/195) but never got a D-I offer coming out of Hinsdale South High School up in Chicago. Sean was used limitedly as a Junior before taking on the starting QB role as a Senior. According to an article from the Chicago Tribune’s Bob Narang, Sean accredited his improvement as a Senior to working with his passing coach Jeff Christensen. (Also trains Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo) Sean visited the Louisville campus early this year, Petrino and the coaches expressed an interest and Sean loved the way they sold the program to him and the opportunities he would have to earn a scholarship. Sean joined the Cards this summer and reportedly has had a solid offseason. Nick Petrino said on Monday they were impressed with his arm strength but needed to work with him on his "athleticism", meaning mobility, flexibility, etc. something not that uncommon for a true freshman.

Sean obviously has some competition at QB with his classmate Jawon Pass moving forward but Petrino has showed on numerous occasions he will not hesitate to put the "lesser known" player on the field if he is performing better in practice. Just as Petrino reminded us a few days ago, Bolin didn’t get one first team rep two seasons ago in the fall…and then came in and damn near single-handedly brought the Cards back against UK and then grabbed 5 starts last year. Crazy things can happen, so I’m sure they’ll have Sean prepared if he needs to go.

Sweet Tweet:

The face of a kid who will graduate with an ACC diploma…and at least one ACC Championship. Quote me on that.

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#15 Trumaine Washington

Class: Junior

Ht/Wt: 5-10/180

Position: Corner back

Hometown: Miami, FL

Twitter: @NoFlyzoneTru

Thoughts: Trumaine has had a chip on his shoulder for quite some time. As former cornerbacks coach Terrell Buckley put it "he checked all the boxes" of being a great corner, the only thing stopping him from being a top target for most D-I schools? Height. At just 5-10 a lot of schools passed on Washington thinking that even if he was the best corner available the 6-2, 6-3, or 6-4 receivers, similar to the ones roaming the Cardinal sidelines, would always win in that battle on the outside. Petrino believed in Buckley’s recommendation, gave Tru a shot, and the man has performed since he stepped on campus.

Washington earned a spot in the DB rotation as a true freshman, and with the departure of some starters in 2014, Tru had the opportunity to win a starting job at corner last season….and once again, with his work ethic and determination did just that. Starting 12 games last year Washington led the team with four inceptions (including a pick 6), had three forced fumbles, 56 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, was the first Louisville player to ever win the Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of The Week Award (Syracuse), was ACC Defensive Player of The Week as well, and was named to the Third team All-ACC squad by the coaches. (Honorable mention from media). He also had a couple picks in the Spring game. How’s that 5-10 corner sound now? I know, I know…I just watched the bowl game a few weeks ago as well and yes, Tru did get picked on some and didn’t have a great game, but ask Grantham or Petrino who they think the most consistent corner on the team is. I’m guessing Washington is their pick, and the ACC coaches and media seemed to agree.

While I’ve heard a few of the highlights here and there (and some reports of a minor injury) news about Tru during the fall has been pretty sparse. He seems to just continue about his business, maintain his starting role and look to improve upon a pretty solid season for a true Sophomore. Can he get better? Absolutley. Can he improve his coverage on the deep ball? Absolutley. Can he improve his tackling? Absolutley, but he’s the guy I’m riding with until someone else proves they can take his job. While the number 15 will always resonate with me in relation to another corner her at Louisville ('The Prez') Tru is making a valid claim to the ‘Number 15 Throne’ with  another solid season.

Check out this highlight video of Tru to recap some of his solid plays the last couple seasons….but maybe give that mute button a tap as the lyrics are definitely NSFW. Instead, I recommend you hum the ‘Fantasy Island’ theme in your head, you know, since Tru puts receivers on an island. Or just sit and watch in silence like some type of psychopath…the choice is yours.

Sweet Tweet:

Let me help you folks out here because I speak fluent "cornerback". What Tru is trying to say is…

"Do not sleep on Shaq Wiggins, Trumaine Washington, and Jaire Alexander. This is a strict ‘No Fly Zone’. All those who fail to adhere to the law will be prosecuted to the furthest extent with interceptions, broken up passes and bruised receivers. Repeat offenders will be punished with pick sixes. You have been officially warned"

Or, my man has a time machine and June 15th, 2010 is about to be lit!

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