By Mitch Streufert

The University of Louisville football program has a new look this year, with new players, a new stadium and, most notably, a new head coach.

The new direction of the program, under head coach Charlie Strong, has many U of L faithful finally looking up and out of the Big East conference cellar. This newfound optimism has been based on a shuffling of Cards and a jumpstart for a program that just four years ago won the Orange Bowl. Through all the changes, there are few things Cardinal fans can count on in the approaching season. One of them is the hard work, diligence, leadership and consistency of senior wide receiver Doug Beaumont.

Beaumont will be playing his final season for the Cards this year. When they kick off their season Sept. 4 against the University of Kentucky, one can only envision that Beaumont will be a key factor in the game’s outcome. Over the past two seasons, he has been U of L’s most consistent receiving threat. Over the 24-game span, Beaumont has racked up 100 receptions, while compiling over 1,200 yards receiving. The numbers don’t lie; Beaumont can change the face of a game at any moment.

Senior starting quarterback Adam Froman agreed that Beaumont is one of a kind.

“What’s not to like?” said Froman. “Doug works hard. He is like lightning out on the field. And he jumps out of this world and does the little things that help a team win a ballgame. We have a good feel for each other on the field and that’s going to help in those high-pressure situations. That being said, Doug is like everybody else in this locker room – he just wants to win, period.”

Winning has not been a staple for the Cardinals over the past two seasons, going a combined 9-15 and not appearing in any bowl games. Beaumont hopes to change those losing ways for his hometown fans in his last season with the Cards. He hopes that after he graduates he will be remembered like hometown heroes before him.

“Before I got here, I grew up watching guys like Brian Brohm and Michael Bush become hometown leaders and heroes,” said Beaumont. “And I just hope when I leave here that the people of Louisville will remember my efforts as well.”

Beaumont’s efforts aren’t just noticed on the gridiron. He is a vocal leader in the locker room as well. To offensive and defensive players alike, Beaumont sets an example for everyone to follow, day in and day out.

Greg Scruggs, junior defensive tackle, says he has great respect for Beaumont.

“You always know what you’re going to get from Doug,” said Scruggs. “He just has a presence on the field and in the locker room. When Doug speaks, people listen to what he has to say, because he has been there, done that. It doesn’t matter who you are – he will hold you accountable for your actions just like he will for his own actions.”

Beaumont’s style of leadership has changed this year, because of the youth on the squad. With so many new recruits brought in by Strong and his coaching staff, Beaumont has been forced to adapt. This is a new challenge that Doug has accepted in stride.

“When I was a sophomore [and] junior, I tried to be a guy who led more with my actions,” said Beaumont. “But this year I’ve tried real hard to be a more vocal leader. Especially with the younger receivers, just getting after them, helping them out to show them.”

High on the list of goals to accomplish on Sept. 4 against the Wildcats – other than the obvious of winning the game – is getting Beaumont his first touchdown as a Cardinal. Over the past two seasons, while Beaumont has been a staple of the Cardinal offense, at no time has he taken one to the house.

According to Froman, that statistic won’t be there much longer.

“If things go to plan, Doug will get into the end zone,” said Froman. “One way or another we’re getting him one.”

While Beaumont is focused on beating the Wildcats, he acknowledges that getting his first touchdown will also be on his mind.

“Hopefully, on Sept. 4, I’ll get into the end zone,” said Beaumont. “And I can be out there pumping up the crowd. Who knows? If I get in the end zone, I might even get a penalty.”