By Andrew Hornback

With the conclusion of basketball season, most Cardinal sports fans are now curious how spring football is going and how the team will perform in the fall.
I attended the first spring practice where the players were in pads, getting a glimpse of what most fans will see at the spring game on April 17.
Reigning Big East Freshman of the Year Victor Anderson looked very impressive, especially on counter plays to the outside. While Anderson will be the primary running back, red-shirt freshman Darius Ashley looks like they will be able to compliment him well.
Ashley rushed for 128 yards on 17 carries in the first spring scrimmage, including a 70 yard touchdown. With Anderson and Bilal Powell out at the moment due to injury, Ashley is certainly making the best of his playing time.
The defense looks to be adjusting well after losing Ron English as their coordinator. Brandon Heath and Jon Dempsey really impressed me on plays when they were assigned to blitz. Rodney Gnat is getting off the line quickly and has forced multiple fumbles so far in the spring. Gnat and Dexter Heyman should be able to solidify the defense line and open up holes for blitzing linebackers.  If the secondary holds up, the Cards should improve statistically from last season.
The one thing I’m still concerned about is the passing game. The Cards have no quarterback on the roster with any significant experience. Justin Burke, Zack Stoudt, Tyler Wolfe, and Adam Froman have each looked great at times during spring practices and scrimmages, but for whoever emerges as the starter in the fall, it will be a completely different experience during actual games. For those who know college football, experience directly correlates with decision making, something that will be critical to the Cards chances of returning to a bowl game this year. I think the schedule will ease some of the potential troubles for whoever starts at quarterback, but you can’t rely on your opponents to get you to the postseason.
In the latest scrimmage game, Burke went 7-10 for 70 yards and two touchdowns, while Stoudt went 4-4 for 94 yards. Stoudt has looked impressive on deep passes, including a 47 yarder to Trent Guy during the scrimmage.
Receivers Josh Chichester, Doug Beaumont, and Trent Guy will have to play to their potential, in order to help relieve some of the pressure of the new starting quarterback. Beaumont looked impressive when I saw him in spring practice, running very crisp, precise routes and getting open the majority of the time.
Beaumont led the team with 750 yards receiving last season, with Chichester in second with 341 yards. If the Cards get better balance in the receiving game, it will open up the running game as well as disable opponents from double teaming Beaumont.
Chichester recorded 78 yards and three touchdowns in one spring scrimmage. The 6’8″ receiver has always been able to trouble cornerbacks with his height advantage, and could be a huge boost to the red zone offense this year.
I’m going to reserve judgment on how I think the team will fare until I see them actually play more in game-like situations.  But, I truly feel if whoever emerges as the starting quarterback is able to manage the offense well and not make mistakes due to lack of experience, the Cards have the talent to return to a bowl game.