The Cardinal Countdown: 6 Days Until Kickoff

#6 Russ Yeast

Class: Freshman

Ht/Wt: 5-11/181

Position: Defensive Back

Hometown: Greenwood, IN

Twitter: @russ_yeast03

Thoughts: Russ was one of the more publicized recruits last season for a couple different reasons. Reason #1, Russ is the son of former Kentucky great Craig Yeast, who was the all-time receptions leader in the SEC when he wrapped up his career. Not only did the Cards "figuratively" steal him from the Cats since he was a legacy player, but they almost literally stole him as he decommitted from UK before making his official visit to Louisville, and eventually pledging his allegiance to the Cardinals. The second reason he was so publicized is because, well, he's a hell of a football player.

Yeast was the #3 player in the state of Indiana and a multi-position threat for Center Grove High last season playing a little wide receiver, a little running back, and being a return guy, in addition to his time at corner. Russ was not only selected as an Under-Armour All-American last year, but was named a team captain and performed well in that game grabbing a couple tackles. Ranked by most as a 4-star "athlete" Russ was also the Gatorade player of the year in Indiana and the USAToday player of the year in Indiana. The awards and accolades are nice, and may make us as fans feel all warm and fuzzy, but the true metal is how does he perform when put to the test on the field. Less than a week into fall camp Petrino was already singing his praises, right along with Jaire Alexander and Trumaine Washington. All three said Russ was not only asking the right questions in the meeting room, but performing well on the field for a young man just a few months removed from high school. You know Jaire, Tru, and Ronald Walker will get the majority of the reps on the outside, but I would be stunned if we didn't see Russ A LOT this season.

The 2017 recruiting class was one of the best in Louisville's recent history, and the secondary was a key focus. I spoke a few days ago about the upperclassmen in the secondary and how this year should be special, but I'm looking forward to seeing the TaxBoys 2.0 in the next couple seasons with Russ, TreSean Smith, and the two transfers in Rodjay Burns and PJ Mbanasor. In the mean time, check out some of what Russ brings to the squad.

Sweet Tweet:

Excited to watch Russ create his own legacy as a Cardinal. Should be entertaining to watch.