By Whitney Spencer
In the book “Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance,” Tony Dungy, former coach of the Indianapolis Colts, writes to inspire young men not to be just amazing athletes on the football field, but to be valued members of society. This offseason the University of Louisville football team took time to experience what Dungy was teaching and the receivers found a bond to help bring them together.
“One of our key goals is to trust each other,” junior receiver Douglas Beaumont said. “We met every Wednesday and we learned to trust each other. We learned to be accountable for each other and then the team would produce.”
After injuries depleted the receivers last season, the wide receiving core for the University of Louisville football team is back and better than ever. With several explosive weapons lining up on either side of the ball, newly named starter Justin Burke should have no problem finding someone to make a play for the Cardinals.
The 6-foot-2, 214-pound senior, Scott Long, is said to be the most talented receiver. Plagued by injury last year, Long was in and out of the lineup, but was eventually sidelined for the final five games of the season, after tearing his ACL. In the three games that he was able to contribute, Long caught 11 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns.
After missing all of the spring for rehab on his knee, Long is back and ready to get back on the field in his senior season. Long is one of the most respected players on the team. He led and organized the group discussions on Dungy’s book, which Cards players read over the summer.
“I like the chemistry right now,” Long said. “I like what we’re doing on the practice field. I like the morale and the mentality of the guys.”
Though he was greatly missed on the line of scrimmage last year, other receivers were able to gain valuable experience. No one gained more experience than junior wide receiver Douglas Beaumont. Beaumont led the Cardinals with 62 receptions for 750 yards, but never scored a touchdown. Players and coaches described him as a hard worker and intense competitor who deserves to be on the field during every game.
“Last year I had to step up as a role player when a lot of people went down,” Beaumont said. “This year I’m coming out here to help the team win.”
Senior Trent Guy battled injuries all season after suffering a gunshot wound, but never returned to his old form. He finished with 14 passes for 216 yards, but this year hopes to be more of the role player he was expected to be last season. With his dangerous speed and excellent route running, Guy is healthy and physically ready to leave everything on the football field.
“I’m ready to be an explosive weapon for my team, whether that be on special teams or on the offensive side of the ball,” Guy said.
Sophomore Josh Chichester showed his potential last season as he recorded 30 catches for 341 yards and made big plays several times during the year. Again though, other players’ injuries pushed Chichester into a position he was admittedly not ready for last season. After working on his consistency and ball handling skills, he looks to be a major threat in the Big East this season.
“My main goal is no drops,” Chichester said. “I had some critical drops last year. I want to be a better route runner and an all around team player for my team.”
In his book, Dungy quotes his college football coach who says, “Success is uncommon, therefore not to be enjoyed by the common man.” For these receivers at the University of Louisville, their collective goal is to strive for the uncommon. With this talented group, the uncommon doesn’t seem far away.
