First, if you haven't already done so, go here, and read C.L.'s latest piece on Greg Scruggs.

Done? Ok, good. Now, did that little anecdote about the anonymous player survey jump out to anyone else? Just when I think I can't admire Coach Strong and his staff any more, they come up with more innovative ways to motivate and instill discipline in our Cardinals.

Conducting an anonymous player survey asking each guy to list "the top five players on the team and five players who needed to work harder" seems like such a fantastic idea, and one that I haven't heard of before. It lets the slackers know that their lack of commitment has been noticed by their peers, and that there are no excuses, while simultaneously rewarding the guys who are clearly fully committed to what HCCS is selling.

I couldn't be more excited for the guy, but I was shocked to read that Chichester was listed as the #1 player according to his peers, especially since earlier in his career he seemed to lack focus and commitment. Props to him for stepping up and accepting accountability.

This has been said numerous times before, but the bottom line is that we currently have a coaching staff that understands that young adults actually crave discipline and accountability, and more often than not, these young men will step up to the challenge when the bar is set high by role models who they respect.

Go Cards.

I know a lot of us experienced varying levels of frustration with Stingily during the Kragthorpe years (for good reason), but it's good to see him getting some draft love. Like all our Cardinals, I hope he has a long and productive NFL career.

Byron Stingily, OT, Louisville

Offensive tackle is one of the deepest positions in this year's draft, but Stingily has still managed to stand out despite not getting asked to attend any of the key All-Star games or the combine. At the Louisville pro day, the junior college transfer piqued the interest of NFL scouts by measuring 6-5, 313 pounds, with 25 bench press reps, a broad jump of 9-2, and a very respectable 4.98 in the 40. Stingily's footwork and athleticism make him a potential NFL starter at left tackle some day, but his upper body and hands need a couple years of work and development before he'll be ready to challenge for a spot in the lineup. Personnel men are on to him, however, and reportedly he has been busy this spring, visiting anywhere from five to nine NFL clubs. He's a third-day draft selection, but somewhere in the fourth or fifth round isn't out of the question for the Cardinals senior.

 

2011 Wes Welker Watch List

The gnome has officially exhausted all appeals. Somebody flip the switch, already.

DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. DePaul Day. 

Our adorable Peyton Siva makes Davis' list...

Peyton Siva, 5-11 point guard, Louisville

Freshman: 11.3 min., 3.9 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 43.2% FG
Sophomore: 22.5 min., 10.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.5 apg, 46.2% FG

Siva's numbers would be bigger if he hadn't fouled out in just 15 minutes in the Cardinals' big win over Butler in the opener. Obviously Siva will have to be more disciplined on defense, but now that Edgar Sosa is gone, it's time for Louisville to get some steady leadership from the most important position on the floor. Rick Pitino has already said he's giving Siva, a former McDonald's All-American from Seattle, the keys to drive his new high-octane offense. I think he's up to the task.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/seth_davis/11/22/sophomore.breakout.candidates/index.html#ixzz162fdClnY

I was extremely pleased after reading C.L. Brown's piece on the Cards' first day of spring practice yesterday. Check it out here, if you haven't already. When he used to be here, I can remember being really alarmed (even in year one) when first hearing about how practices had changed under his direction. Players talked about the intensity level being different from the Petrino years, that the new coaching staff just wasn't as high-energy, and didn't have practices mapped out down to the minute, like in previous seasons. Obviously, that reflected quite noticeably on the field, especially in the " overall execution" and "penalty" departments.

Well, things seem to have changed around these parts. Judging from C.L.'s observations on the first day, Coach Strong has mandated that we will return to those fast-paced, high energy practice sessions that made us so successful in the past. You practice fast, you play fast... it sounds oversimplified, but that's the way it is. Players don't want to be coddled, they want to be challenged and motivated, and I'm glad Coach is starting this from day one. I don't know how many wins we'll have this season, but I can almost guarantee we will have a more disciplined and fiery team that will be a lot more fun to watch. I hope those of you that can make it out to practice over the next few weeks get a chance to tell us out-of-towners how the squad looks.

Go Cards.

Ok, so when watching the early portions of Wednesday's debacle against Cincinnati, ESPN obviously showed a few shots of Jerry in street clothes on the bench. Didn't think much of it at first, but then all of a sudden I was hit with an overwhelming sense of panic.

"Wait a second," I thought. "How the hell is Jerry supposed to properly cheer the Cards from the bench in slacks and dress shoes!?" At least let the man dress in sneakers, shorts and a pullover! That tie and button down shirt have got to be hampering his ability to waive one, two or (Lord-willing) three towels.

After our solid first half, I chastised myself for my earlier panic. "We got this," I rationalized. "We don't need Jerry's emotional lift tonight, well be ok."

Then the second half of whatever-you-wanna-call-it happened. Obviously my first instincts were right. I won't hate on Jerry, he gave it his best. I saw him trying to get guys pumped up, but he lacked his usual fire. Thus, I propose that (God-forbid) should Jerry be unable to go in our first game of the NCAAs (I'm assuming, I know), he be required to dress in full uniform with as many towels as he can handle.

Because Jerry, we don't need Clark Kent right now.

We need Superman, in all his toweled glory. 

Like several others, I was not a season ticker holder in my formative days as a Card, although I had the occasional hook-up for tickets since my mom did some side work for the athletic department (more on that later). Since I didn't get to go often, every visit to Freedom Hall as a kid was an exhilarating experience. I remember mostly snippets of memories from my early Hall visits, but what I can remember vividly is the energy that the place always had.

In later years, my best friend's family had season tickets, so I got to go Cards games more often (big ups to CincyCardFan!) and was lucky enough to see some great games, including Reece single-handedly eviscerating Tennessee. Yes, the warm caramel smell and cozy feel of the Hall will be sorely missed, but for me, it was the people of Freedom Hall, my fellow Cards fan, which made it so awesome. If I don't say so myself, I think we have some of the most hoops-savvy fan bases around the nation and that shows out during games at Freedom Hall. Thankfully, the building will change, but the fans won't, so I'm confident the move to the new digs will be great.

And finally, I couldn't end this post without a bit of self-indulgence. As I referenced, my mom (who is a crazy-good seamstress) occasionally does some side work for the athletic department, including sewing the championship and logo banners that hang in the Hall. As we all know, the University changed/updated the Cardinal logo in the late 90's, and per usual, she put some new banners together with the current logo and they took their place in the rafters. However, to my great surprise, the powers that be gave the old logo banners back to her. Thus, thanks to status as firstborn son (YES!), I am the proud owner of one of those two banners. Someday, when/if I grow up, you can sure as hell bet it will occupy a place of reverence in my first home and I'll be able to look upon it and remember the good 'ole days in Freedom Hall.

Go Cards. Beat Syracuse.

As we're all well aware, Coach Strong has made ridiculous strides with the Cardinal football program since flashing those pearly whites at his introductory press conference in December. SI.com (via Rivals.com) comes up with some Strong recruiting love yet again:

Charlie Strong, Louisville

What Strong did since taking over at Louisville was quite impressive. He personally had his hand in signing one of Louisville's better classes in recent history. That's impressive enough, but when you consider he did most of the work without a complete staff in place, it's even more remarkable.

Keep it up Coach, we're with you all the way and lovin' it.

Coach Strong leads off Stewart Mandel's list of recent head coach hires over at SI.com. Mandel writes:

Louisville (Charlie Strong, Florida defensive coordinator): A+

Strong's call to the head coaching ranks was long overdue, and Louisville is a great fit. While the Cardinals had a great run of high-powered offenses under John L. Smith and Bobby Petrino, Strong, a renowned defensive whiz, could prove a great equalizer in the Big East, where there are so few top-level defenses. He should be able to recruit well and turn things around in a hurry.

Full article is here.

Geetings Cards fans. I in no way want to take away from all of the Strong love going around these parts (myself included) over the past few days, but just thought I'd give a quick update on a few of our soccer-playing Cardinals. Major League Soccer (yes, the "Beckham League" ugh) recently announced its list for the upcoming player combine which takes place right before the draft in mid-January.

Three Louisville players (out of 62 total invitees) have been invited to the combine, including Othaniel Yanez, Fred Braun, Phil Edginton, which is a very nice accomplishment. Quick note: Louisville had more players invited than several of the traditional NCAA soccer powerhouses including Indiana, Maryland and Wake Forest. Anyway, if you are so inclined, you can find more info here: MLS Player Combine invitees released

In addition, sophomore Colin Rolfe recently became the first Louisville player to be one of the 15 players named as a semi-finalist for the Hermann Trophy (soccer's equivalent to the Heisman). Congrats to Coach Ken Lolla and his staff for the great job they've done in elevating the program to new heights since taking over.