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Cards Antsy to Start the Season Next Thursday

Cards Antsy to Start the Season Next Thursday
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By Louisville Athletics
Aug. 25, 2016 | LOUISVILLE, KY
By Louisville Athletics Aug. 25, 2016 | 08:58 PM | LOUISVILLE, KY
With kickoff one week away, the University of Louisville football team has begun final preparations for next Thursday's home opener against Charlotte.

Finishing up the third week of practice, the Cardinals are building toward what they hope will be a special season with 17 starters and a number of key veterans returning to add depth. However, they are finally looking forward to hitting a different colored jersey.

"The guys are getting tired of hitting one another, banging on one another," inside line backers coach Tony Grantham said on Thursday. "However, the guys have had good energy and are doing a good job preparing for next Thursday."

Defensive tackle De'Asian Richardson, who has been one of the guys hitting the same jersey each day, echoed his coach's sentiments.

"It's been a grind," Richardson said. "I feel for the opponent because I think we are ready. I think we are tired of hitting the same guys. – we want to hit someone else."

Minor Injuries have shuffled the rotation this camp, but its allowed the staff to get a long look at guys who redshirted or didn't see a lot of game last year, and helped the coaches look optimistic toward the future.

Junior Stacy Thomas had surgery, but has been back at practice, and others have suffered typical camp bumps-and-bruises, but those injuries have allowed the staff to build depth and experiment with different combinations.

"I feel good about our group," Grantham said. "Whoever we put on the field, they give us a chance to win the game. We've got multiple guys in our room who can play against any one on our schedule. We have done a good job of recruiting, but also done a great job developing guys. I think the future is very bright."

Senior safety Josh Harvey-Clemons is one player who has benefitted from players missing practice time. A starter in the secondary in all 13 games, Harvey-Clemons has moved down and played some linebacker.

"Josh is an impact player," Grantham said. "You can match him up on multiple guys because of his skill set. He can rush the passer and has natural pass-rush ability."

One of the players who highlights a talented group of linebackers is senior Keith Kelsey. A two-year starter and team captain, Kelsey is trying to build off two seasons where he has totaled 194 total tackles.

A first team all-ACC selection in 2015, Kelsey totaled 107 tackles – including a career-best 15 tackles versus Houston, and his coach thinks the Gainesville, Fla., product is destined for a huge season.

"I would like to see Keith go out with the type of season that he deserves," Grantham said. "I want him to enjoy his senior year and go out and make this an unbelievable feeling that he can look back on down the road."

Kelsey and the rest of the Cardinals are counting down the days until next week's kickoff, and with the calendar down to seven days, the players can feel how close they are to finally facing their first opponent.

 

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