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I was heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of former U of L cheerleader Shanae Moorman over the weekend. She was an avid supporter of both Cardinal athletics and this site, and one of the few people I can't recall ever hearing a bad word about. My thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones during this time.
The latest installment of the U of L football newsletter is here.
Bobby Petrino is 27-19 in close games throughout his coaching career, including a 12-10 mark at Louisville.
Congratulations to Rick Pitino on his newest grandchild and to Richard Pitino on his third child.
So many highs and lows in our profession. Nothing higher than this!#family #ava #jack #zoe #Gophers pic.twitter.com/hgeGXezh9S
— Richard Pitino (@MNCoachPitino) August 8, 2016
Four-star class of 2017 forward Lance Thomas has set an official visit to U of L for Oct. 21.
It's a well-deserved Kyle Bolin love-fest today in the both the C-J:
"There were moments where (transferring) crossed my mind, but talking with my parents and sitting back and looking at all the opportunities the University of Louisville has given me and the opportunities that are yet to come, I just feel like this is the best place for me," Bolin said Saturday at the team's media day.
"When I was a senior in high school, I wanted to be a University of Louisville Cardinal, and I want to finish a University of Louisville Cardinal. Facing obstacles and problems throughout that road and then trying to find the easy way out or avoiding them is not going to make you a better person. Everything I've been through my whole career and my entire life has made me the man I am today."
With 18 starters back from last year's team, and 10 of them on offense, this offseason hasn't had the same uncertainty as years past. Everyone, junior Reggie Bonnafon said, knows their role within the team and went through the entire offseason understanding where they fit in.
Bolin, best known by Louisville fans for his 381 yards and three touchdown passes in the 2014 win over Kentucky, serves as an elder statesman of sorts. He is a calming, knowledgable presence in the quarterbacks' meeting room, co-offensive coordinator Lonnie Galloway said. And he provides strong competition for Jackson in practice.
"He pushes Lamar," said Cole Hikutini, a senior tight end. "He helps Lamar. He's not going to leave because he's not getting playing time. ... The mindset our team has this year is that the best player is going to play, and I'm going to be supportive behind him. We all have one goal and we have to hop on board."
And on WDRB.com:
Bolin talked it over with his parents. He did think about it. But in the end, he looked at the bigger picture. It's not a picture that young people are always interested in today, but Bolin thinks he made the right call.
"There was a lot of chatter, but there's always a lot of chatter," Bolin said. "There's negative chatter and positive chatter, and you just have to find your way through that chatter, listen to what you believe in, your family, people that really care about you. And after doing all that I just feel like I'm in a really good spot here.
"When I was a senior in high school, I wanted to be a University of Louisville Cardinal, and I want to finish a University of Louisville Cardinals. I think that, you know, facing obstacles and problems throughout that road, and trying to find an easy way out, or avoiding them, is not going to make you a better person. Everything I've been through my whole career and everything in my life to this point has made me the man that I am today, and will make me the man that I am in the future."
It will also give Cardinals' coaches some peace of mind about the quarterback spot. The Louisville offense is different with Bolin under center, but the comfort level of Louisville's players with him is nearly as big a deal as his knowledge of the system.
"When we put Kyle on the field, our players expect he can come in and lead them to a win," Petrino said. "There's no change in expectation. They believe in him, and that's a big deal."
Louisville's Kade McClure is primed to build on his All-American season of 2016.
Nanu looks enormous in the official NBA rookies photo.
Campus Insiders has Louisville at No. 20 in its preseason countdown.
Former U of L standout Marlon Hairston has emerged as a star for the MLS' Colorado Rapids.
The crystal football which had sat atop Kentucky's fake 1950 national championship trophy has now been replaced with the top of UK's actual Sugar Bowl trophy.
No more fake crystal football atop UK's recognition of 1950 team as national champs. Replaced by Sugar Bowl trophy. pic.twitter.com/bLAFSsS4LF
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_AJC) August 8, 2016
So it's at least half real now, which is a step in the right direction.
Some cool things are happening with the Iroquois football program. Support them if you can.
Twenty-four days until football, DePaul.
@CardChronicle pic.twitter.com/Y2fUviuGQi
— Jenny Drake (@jennyelizabethd) August 6, 2016
Four-star U of L football target James Hudson, who was once committed to Kentucky, committed to Michigan Monday morning.
ESPN's David Hale wonders if Lamar Jackson's game can match his growing hype in year two.
Another offseason mile-marker has been hit.
@CardChronicle @JohnRamseyUofL now football season can start #L1CYard pic.twitter.com/NYbK6CJ3LD
— Christopher Bishop (@ChrisBishopL1C4) August 5, 2016
When the yard is ready, you know it's almost time to tailgate.
College football website The Comeback has Louisville at No. 16 in its preseason countdown.
We still haven't forgotten about that road basketball game in Rick Pitino's first season. Well, some of us haven't.
I still haven't forgotten about that road basketball game in Rick Pitino's first season.
Airbnb says Louisville is one of the most hospitable cities in America.
26 days until UofL football starts. #MissEzraGrace is ready #Cards @CardChronicle pic.twitter.com/2ZDdiOVl5G
— Steven Shaffer (@StevenP17) August 6, 2016
She knows exactly what's about to happen to Charlotte.
Gary McCrae is officially enrolled and practicing for Louisville football, which might not be huge news for the Cards this season, but could pay massive dividends two and three years from now.
Reminder that Matz will light you up on Instagram if you give him cause.
Zero mercy.
The Louisville Cardinal breaks down the U of L linebackers.
And finally, the U of L Summer Fan Festival is set for Aug. 16 at Captain's Quarters. More details can be found here.