By Charlie Leffler
When it comes to directing the offense, the Cards could not be in better hands this season because there may be no player in the country more valuable in the pocket than Dave Ragone. He’s smart, he’s strong, he’s quick and he has a ton of high profile experience. The senior quarterback is the two-time C-USA Offensive Player of the Year and has been tabbed to repeat again this season. Likewise, Ragone’s name has been mentioned for every quarterback award in the nation.
Yet, with Ragone’s linebacker, no back down mentality and a new offensive front there’s always a chance that Louisville could lose its star.
Sophomore Stephan LeFors has been tabbed as Ragone’s backup and he knows that at any time he could find himself suddenly thrust into the leading role. “Everybody knows how he (Ragone) plays and he’s going to play as hard as he can, ” said LeFors. “He’s never going to slide or anything like that. He’s going to go hard and try to run over people. You’ve got to be ready at all times.”
If Ragone were to become injured the Cards would be left with a backup who saw little action during his career. LeFors appeared in five games last season but only saw significant time in mop-up duty. He was 3-9 passing for 63 yards while gaining 18 on the ground. His greatest advantage is his mobility and ability to think in the pocket. LeFors is always a threat to run and once he gets outside of the pocket is when he is the most dangerous. Yet, inside the pocket his size could prove a hindrance. At 6-0, 190 he may have problems seeing over the larger linemen. LeFors can’t do anything about his height but he has been trying to increase his weight though without much success. “I’m trying. I’m eating everything but it’s hard.”
Adam Ellis earned Offensive Scout Team honors last season and closed the gap between himself and LeFors during spring drills. Yet, midway through fall drills the redhead, redshirt freshman suddenly found himself wearing a red jersey of the defense. Head Coach John L. Smith believes Ellis has a lot of natural talent but for the time being he will be with the secondary. “He’ll play somewhere,” said Smith, “he’s too good a kid not to be a player somewhere.” Ellis will still work at quarterback with the scout team.
The main reason behind Ellis’ shift to defense most likely lies in the unexpected performance of true freshman Justin Rascati. The 6-2, 210 Florida native has size and has looked impressive from the moment he stepped into camp. His throws have been sharp and accurate and he had shown poise that is not normally seen in someone so young. “He’s really got a cool head about him,” said Smith. “He’s accurate with the ball. He’s a sharp kid. He’s going to be a really good player.” Proof of the young quarterback’s talent can be seen in the coach’s attitude towards him. Smith’s game plan has always been to never use a true freshman unless absolutely necessary. However, in Rascati’s case he may make an exception. “Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t play some this year.”
While LeFors appears to have the No. 2 slot locked up, Rascati will keep him on his toes all season. Justin’s greatest deficiency at this time is merely knowledge of the plays and experience on the college level. Regardless, he has shown every indication of becoming the Cardinals quarterback of the future. Ragone likes to see the quarterbacks in close competition. From experience he knows how much he improved while battling Mike Watkins for the starting role two years ago. “It makes you better,” he said pointing out that they keep on his toes. “These guys push me even though my spot’s not up for grabs. Still, you don’t want them showing you up.”
