Wednesday morning Cardinal news and notes

—A group of Louisville supporters who want U of L’s 2013 NCAA title back plan to file their lawsuit on Thursday.

—Jeff Greer looks at the Louisville roster and what Chris Mack needs to do with the four scholarships he has at his disposal.

—Donovan forever.

—U of L football fans will get a first glimpse of the new Cardinal defense at Saturday’s spring game.

“We are all trying to learn this new defense,” cornerbacks coach Grady Brown said. “I didn’t know a lot about this defense, but Brian (VanGorder) is very detailed, and it has been good. It’s a very detailed system, and as long as we continue to put the work in, the scheme will put us in position to have success.”

“It’s a pro-style defense,” senior safety Dee Smith said. “Some days it takes more studying and some plays you can pick up because you have football knowledge. You have to take notes and then go back over your notes, and after practice, you have to go back and watch film.”

Former Trinity standout Rodjay Burns is adjusting to a new defense…and a new school. After transferring from Ohio State and sitting out last season, Burns is ready to take the field in his hometown.

“I’ve had the opportunity to learn a new defense and play with the guys, actually getting out on the field. It’s been more fun. We’ve had good energy with the guys,” Burns said.

—Notre Dame has signed Mike Brey through the 2024-25 season.

—Jim Larranaga also got a contract extension on Tuesday.

—Purdue, I got a feeling your whole family’s goin’ down.

—The U of L spirit groups continue to absolutely dominate the cheer and dance world, bringing home four more national championships this year.

—ESPN’s Jeff Goodman says UConn made the best coaching hire of the offseason, but gives Louisville the award for the “Biggest No-Brainer” hire.

Biggest no-brainer: Chris Mack to Louisville.

From the day that Rick Pitino was jettisoned, Mack was the clear-cut leader. Let’s forget about the fact that his wife, Christi, is from Louisville. He fits because he has already had success recruiting in the Midwest. He took the Musketeers to the Elite Eight in 2017. Plus, he had Xavier as a No. 1 seed this year. In his nine seasons as head coach, he’s gone to the NCAA tournament eight times.

—Yahoo’s Greg Cosell breaks down Lamar Jackson’s game.

—Chris Mack appears on the latest March Madness 365 podcast with Andy Katz.

—This was three weeks ago ...

—Jaire Alexander had a private workout with the Falcons over the weekend.

—On Tuesday, Alexander was reportedly visiting with the Bills.

—This is how it’s done.

—Louisville is No. 35 in ESPN’s initial Football Power Index for 2018.

—Major shoutout to this Louisville hero who fought every day of World War II and celebrated his 100th birthday this week.

—After losing his head basketball coach, Middle Tennessee AD Chris Massaro granted a free release to the incoming signing class because the alternative would’ve been “small and vindictive.” Would love to see all schools follow suit.

—Rufus is a straight boss.

—Washington joined the adidas family on Tuesday.

—Speaking of adidas, despite all the controversy, Louisville’s deal with the outfitter is still the sixth most lucrative apparel deal of any sort in college athletics.

Here’s the current top six:

UCLA (Under Armour): 15 years, $280M
Ohio State (Nike): 15 years, $252M
Texas (Nike): 15 years, $250M
Kansas (Adidas): 14 years, $191M
Michigan (Nike): 15 years, $174M
Louisville (Adidas): 10 years, $160M

—That cut though ...

God I’m gonna miss that.

—Congrats to Logan Baumann, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, on landing the director of basketball operations gig at Evansville.

—U of L has named a new dean of engineering.

—ACC champs hanging with ACC champs.

—Denny Crum and Joe B. Hall have been selected as the Grand Marshals for this year’s Pegasus Parade. The parade’s 2018 theme, appropriately, is “Throwback Thursday.”

—Lamar Jackson is No. 17 in Pro Football Weekly’s countdown of the top 50 NFL draft prospects.

—Chris Mack is answering your questions on Twitter, and it’s glorious.

No holding back. I respect it.

—Louisville ranks in the nation’s top 10 in dog attacks on mail carriers. So there’s that.

—If you missed the radio show yesterday with Jeff Walz and Dino Gaudio, you can check out the podcast here.

—And finally, the U of L baseball team got back to its winning ways with a triumph over Northern Kentucky Tuesday night. Here’s a recap. The Cards now head to Blacksburg for a weekend series with Virginia Tech.