The Cardinal Countdown: 17 Days Until Kickoff

#17 Dorian Etheridge

Class: Freshman

Ht/Wt: 6-3/227

Position: Linebacker

Hometown: Charleston, WV

Twitter: @D_Shmoney_17

Thoughts: In what many would consider one of the biggest surprises out of Fall camp, true freshman Dorian Etheridge is not only making a quick name for himself but is actually getting some significant time running with the #1s at inside linebacker, opposite Stacy Thomas. “Who is that”, you may ask again? Let me tell ya.

During the spring, summer, and now into the fall you’ve heard me mention two or three players who could have a legitimate shot at filling that spot in Amonte Caban, London Iakopo, and now Etheridge. Dorian wasn’t greeted with an over the top fan fair during his commitment or recruitment comparable to that of CJ Avery, Colin Wilson, or Russ Yeast, but the 3 star backer out of West Virginia was shown plenty of love from the staff, who he said made Louisville feel like home very early in the process. Etheridge was a Top 10 recruit in the state and a Top 50 recruit nationally at his position. Dorian also helped lead his squad to back-to-back championship games in high school and was a two time all-state selection. The kids is the real deal, and he seems to be showing it early on.

Coach Petrino singled out Dorian for his work ethic, his vision, and his undeniable ability to make tackles, a very important aspect of playing inside linebacker. Coach Dennison, who just switched to coaching inside linebackers before this season, had some other superlatives to offer about the young man who will not turn 19 until November…

(Thanks to Howie Lindsey for the video)

As much as I love experienced guys stepping up and becoming leaders over their Cardinal careers it does get my blood flowing to know a true freshman, months removed from his prom, is capable of coming in and pushing some grown men around. Good luck to Dorian this year as he continues to battle for that spot.

Sweet Tweet:

Petrino knew what he had back in January…I ain’t ever seen Bobby smile like that.