By Dalton Ray–

Louisville’s annual media day took place in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium today. Head Coach Bobby Petrino first addressed the media, followed by assistant coaches and then players. Petrino is happy with the progress he has witnessed this offseason.

“A year ago, every single thing was brand new to these guys. They were just trying to hear the play, remember what they were taught in the meeting and then attempt to execute it,” Petrino said. “Yesterday, they’ve ran the play for a year, they’ve already blocked live bodies and they understand what short yardage is all about. That allows us to get better faster and that’s exciting for me.”

Petrino first addressed how highly he thinks of his defense and individual players.

“Defensively we’re doing a really good job in the secondary, we can communicated better than we ever have. It’s fun to see Chucky Williams back bigger and stronger. We’ll have some competition at the cornerback spot,” Petrino said. “Up front we’ll be fast and physical. We’re really strong on the edges with Devonte Fields fully healthy and in good shape. Before practice this year I asked him, ‘Are you going to throw up again like last year?’ and he told me no.”

Petrino thinks this will be the year that the offense can make the next step.

“We have to be precise with our routes and in our passing game, making sure all 11 guys know that protection is on them. Receivers need to be exactly where they need to be, line picking up pressure, quarterback adjusting protection and the backs and tight ends affecting routes or protecting,” Petrino said. “The line needs to continue to communicate and we’re much farther along than last year.”

New to the coaching staff is Langston Galloway, co-offensive coordinator and wide receiver coach. Galloway said one of the keys that will determine how well is the offense looks is wide out Jamari Staples.

“For us to have success, (Staples) is going to have to contribute a lot. One of the things we’re working on with him is cleaning up technique,” Galloway said. “He’s a very tough and intelligent kid. It helps him that he was in a similar system at UAB, the terminology carried over well. He’s the old man of the group so he needs to bring the new guys along.”

Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham discussed what it’s like trying to stop two of the best players in the country in Deshaun Watson and Dalvin Cook.

“They’re both great players and anytime you face great players, you have to understand what they do and don’t do well. Similar to in basketball when you have to make a guy go to his off-hand,” Grantham said. “You have to have awareness for them, appreciate their talents and understand there are things we have to do to slow them down in making plays.”

Senior nose tackle Brown expressed how much he learned from Sheldon Rankins last year and why he likes playing in Grantham’s defense.

“(Rankins) really taught me how to study the game, he was such a smart guy and I try to take pieces away from his game and mix it with mine,” Brown said. “I love playing in coach Grantham’s defense because I can take on double teams and be able to make plays. People think my position isn’t in a good spot to make plays but the defense is set up so everyone can make plays.”

Fellow senior Cole Hikutini found himself in a similar situation as Brown last season. By season’s end, both players were big play makers for their units and began demanding attention. Hikutini explained what the difference was from the start of the year to the end and why the offense is ready to take the next step.

“I think it was confidence and knowing the playbook more, I wasn’t second guessing myself. Once I could do that, I could go full speed and it was just football. I had to start taking care of my body at this level of football as well so that helped,” Hikutini said. “Offensively, I think we’ll breakthrough this year. The o-line is together, everyone knows the plays and the checks, guys are playing faster than they’ve ever played and we’re a confident unit.”

One of the last players hanging around in the press box was the hometown kid, Reggie Bonnafon. He talked about what it means to playing in front of his city.

“Growing up, I’d always drive by and see the stadium and just being in awe of it. Now, to be in the position I’m in it’s crazy to me but I’m just blessed to be here and I know it takes hard work,” Bonnafon said. “There’s only a handful of guys who can put on the jersey and have the city they grew up in across their chest. If you don’t have a sense of pride about that then there might be something wrong with you. Every time I strap up I know I’m not just playing for myself or family, but my city.”

U of L now sits 26 days away from their Sep. 1 season opener against Charlotte. Louisville will have a open practice this week, Tuesday at 3:50 p.m.

Photo by Wade Morgan / The Louisville Cardinal