PoonaFordchris_nelson.0_standard_352.0isaac stewart

As summer is nearing its end, and everyone is anxious in anticipation for the new football season to begin, Louisville continues to see its 2014 football class expand. Recently the Cards have gone into ACC territory, an area of the country that the Cardinals will become very familiar with when they leave the American (AAC) next summer, to pick up their latest three commitments.

It is promising that Strong and staff are expanding the ground they cover when searching for players for next year & beyond. The Cardinals have secured commitments from players in eight different states most notably the recent success in the Carolinas – the heart of ACC country. Three of Louisville’s commitments reside in South Carolina, the most prominent of which is Poona Ford Defensive Tackle, Hilton Head HS. He is the first DT commit for the Cardinals who were in need of serious bulk in this class. He was a priority for Strong and staff, who understand that to compete on a championship level, bulk is needed on both sides of the line. Ford definitely fits that description at roughly 6’1 290lbs. Watch Ford’s highlight tapes, and it is easy to see why Louisville made him such a priority. Here are his highlights if you have yet to see them —

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcfBzKOGUCw

Ford lines up all over the place for his team, and on defense plays both inside and outside. He has such a strong motor besides just being a cog in the middle. He will definitely play inside at Louisville as he will add even more bulk and strength to his frame once he arrives on campus.

In addition to the commitment of Ford, Louisville received exciting news last night as Chris Nelson DT, Lakeland Florida, committed to the Cards. He is the second DT commit in this class in two days, and shores up the major need in this year’s class for interior defensive linemen. I, like a lot of Card fans, had a bit of concern over the fact that Louisville had yet to get an interior line commitment, but these past two days have been exciting in terms of building for the future. Nelson is  larger than Ford, measuring at 6-2 295lbs but  these two will compliment each other well and create a formidable presence inside for the future. Keep an eye out for Cincinnati’s Daniel Cage who recently named Louisville his leader, is also a big-time prospect at Defensive Tackle.

Louisville’s other recent Carolina commit comes from David W. Butler standout middle-linebacker, Isaac Stewart. Stewart has a solid frame at 6-2 230lbs. and will help add to the depth next year for Louisville, who loses four linebackers after this season to graduation, in addition to the loss of 2013 LB commit Donel Elam who has yet to qualify. Stewart displays a great deal of versatility as he can both stuff the run and drop back into coverage. Here is his most recent highlight tape–

With these latest three commits, Strong is focusing on filling key voids and building depth, both of which are key in assuring there are never many furrows between peaks. So as fall camp is underway, Louisville’s has no gaping recruiting need at this point with the commitment of Nelson and actually sit at a full class of 25. Anything else would just be icing on the cake. The scary/exciting part is Louisville does not usually hit its recruiting stride until January/February so it will be interesting to see how this already quality class takes shape over the next few months. Either way Louisville fans have no worries with Strong and staff on the trail.

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Matt Vories

I am a recent graduate of The University of Louisville. This spring I interned with CardinalSports.com which allowed me the opportunity to write, report, and shoot photo and video at Louisville games. I also worked with the Red & Blue Review television show. I look forward to sharing my passion for all things UofL as a part of TCZ.

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