By Aaron Williams–

Strong recruiting classes are necessary for the University of Louisville’s football and women’s soccer teams to continue to achieve and expand on the success they earned this past season.

On Feb. 1 Louisville football head coach Charlie Strong announced his teams’ 24 man recruiting class.

“We signed 24 players,” said Strong in comments made to the media, “18 we signed today and six are already enrolled. Of the 18 players we signed today, five are offensive linemen, three are defensive linemen and two are linebackers. That is what we really needed in our program. The game is won up front. The goal is to get you offensive and defensive linemen because that’s where it starts.”

The six players already enrolled include linebacker Keith Brown, linebacker James Burgess, defensive back Gerod Holliman and tight end Ryan Hubbell.

Additionally, tight end Gerald Christian and wide receiver Robert Clark have also been enrolled but must sit due to NCAA transfer regulations.

The two players both transferred from the University of Florida. Scout.com ranks Louisville’s 2012 recruiting class No. 41 in the nation and No. 5 in the Big East.

“We said that you have to have a plan; we have to have a vision. You have to know where you want to go with this program. We know the only way to go and win championships is to go and recruit the right people,” said Strong.

The Cardinals graduated 13 seniors this year, including wide receiver Josh Bellamy, kicker Chris Philpott and linebacker Dexter Heyman.

Louisville’s last campaign ended with a loss to the Wolf Pack of NC State in the Belk Bowl.

They will enter the 2012 season with Teddy Bridgewater at the reins, ready to lead a young and talented Cards squad.

Speaking of young and talented teams, the women’s soccer program also recently announced their 2012 recruiting class. Head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes made the announcement.

“We are coming off a tremendous season that saw us win the Big East National Division title and make it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, and this incoming 2012 class has both the character and the playing ability to help our team become stronger in the years to come,” said Ferguson-Dayes according to a U of L sports press release.

The recruiting class is ten players deep. It includes defender Jenna Anderson, forwards Irene Young and Grace Ayodale, midfielders Lexie Niedoba Andrea Distler, Lauren Nash, Nicole Gerber and Aubrey Muench and goalkeepers Halle Pyle and Harlee Leineek.

The class will join Chloe Kiefer and Christine Exeter to attempt another dominating season and deep NCAA tournament run.

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Photo: Cody Hibbard/The Louisville Cardinal