By Andrew Hornback
Reigning Big East Freshman of the Year Victor Anderson looks to continue to put up numbers worthy of All Big East, beginning Sept. 5 against Indiana State.
Anderson, who rushed for 1,047 yards on 183 carries last season, will be no. 1 on the Cardinals’ depth chart at running back, the most experienced position on the team.
“I’m not concerned about individual achievements, I’m focused on how I can work hard to help the team as a whole accomplish our goals,” Anderson said.
For Anderson, a trip to a BCS bowl game is one team goal he hopes the Cards can accomplish.
“We’ve been working hard in the spring,” Anderson said. “Everyone looks good and in shape. Our goal is a Big East championship and a BCS bowl appearance. Everyone will have to do their part though, especially with the inexperience at quarterback.”
Joining Anderson in the backfield will be junior running back Bilal Powell, who averaged 7.8 yards per carry in 2007, but missed much of last season due to injuries.
“I’m getting back in shape both mentally and physically, I’ve been praying a lot and keeping my focus,” said Powell. “I had surgery in the spring and had to miss spring practice and all, but I’ve been working hard to get ready.”
Anderson and Powell will both be running behind an offensive line that lost two-time First Team All Big East center Eric Wood to the NFL draft, as well as offensive guard George Bussey.
“The offensive line is different, but they have been working hard to open up space for me and [Anderson],” Powell said. “I think one of the best things about us and the lineman is that we spend a lot of time together off the field and not just on it. The relationship we have is really a positive one and we understand how hard we have to work to help and complement each other.”
North Carolina State transfer Justin Burke was recently named starting quarterback, easing some of the uncertainty Powell and other offensive players have had about the quarterback position. Burke, Adam Froman, Zack Stoudt and Will Stein, none of which have ever started at the Division I level, were competing for the job during the spring.
“It helps knowing who is going to be the quarterback,” Powell said. “Justin looks good and has been working hard like all of us in practice. It’s up to me and the rest of the offense to help him win now.”
Redshirt freshman Darius Ashley and senior fullback Joe Tronzo will complete the Cardinal backfield.
Ashley, who put up 41 yards on 12 carries in the Spring Game, has been praised by coaches throughout the spring for his work ethic. As for Tronzo, he will be expected to continue to block and open up holes for Anderson and the other backs.
The Cards hope the speed and power of Anderson and Powell alongside the development and consistency of Ashley and Tronzo will make the running back position one to contend with this season. Anderson and Powell will be a double threat on the Louisville offense this season and will look to be All Big East contenders.
