Former Florida assistant coach Charlie Strong is known as a defensive genius, a prized recruiter and a top-notch motivator.
In his first year as head coach at Louisville, Strong's most utilized tool may be his patience.
Strong takes over for departed head coach Steve Kragthorpe who was relieved of his duties after three seasons and a 15-21 record. Kragthorpe is now the wide receivers coach at Texas A&M.
Kragthorpe didn't leave much for Strong, either.
Gone are five starters on a defense that finished 65th nationally. While the Cardinals only lose wide receivers Trent Guy and Scott Long on offense, the unit finished 91st in the country in total offense in 2009, averaging 18.5 points per game.
Additionally, Louisville is still in search of a starting quarterback. Adam Froman, who started most of Louisville's games a season ago, returns.
He threw just six touchdowns to five interceptions last year. Justin Burke could also make a push for the starting job, as could incoming freshman Dominique Brown, who had previously verbally committed to Cincinnati before choosing the Cardinals.
The run game will be the focus of the offense, however, as junior running back Victor Anderson returns at the deepest position on the team. Brusing back Bilal Powell will back Anderson up.
The Cardinals' second-leading rusher last season, Darius Ashley, was moved to cornerback to fill voids in the secondary.
Up front on offense, the Cardinals return all five starters including center and Rimington Trophy Candidate Mario Benavides.
Despite losing Guy and Long, the receiving corps should remain productive behind senior Doug Beaumont, 6-foot-8 tight end Josh Chichester and incoming freshman Michaelee Harris.
Defensively, Louisville loses all of its leaders, especially at linebacker where the duo of Chris Campa and John Dempsey anchored the unit last season.
Strong will also have the challenge of revamping the defensive line, which was one of the team's main weaknesses last season.
The Cardinals allowed 158 rushing yards per game. They allowed more than 180 yards on the ground in five games in 2009.
The defensive line will be tested early, as the Cardinals travel to Oregon State to face the Beavers and talented running back Jacquizz Rogers in the third week of the season.
Other than UL's trip to Corvallis, Ore., the Cardinals' out-of-conference schedule is favorable, though they must face in-state rival Kentucky. Eastern Kentucky, Arkansas State and Memphis are also on the out-of-conference schedule for Louisville.
Louisville opens its conference schedule Oct. 15 at home against Cincinnati.
The Cardinals hosts Connecticut, South Florida and West Virginia. They travel to Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Rutgers.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!