Strong Getting the Job Done...So Far

New Louisville football coach Charlie Strong has done a lot for himself in only 5 short weeks. A school that a short time and a different regime ago was battling with mediocre programs like Ohio and Middle Tennessee for one-star preps is now beating out perennial powers like Florida and LSU for elite recruits. A 2010 class full of question marks may now turn into one of the best classes in school history. Strong has changed everyone's perspective of this program -from the fans to the administration to the coaches in the Schnellenberger Complex in just 5 short week. Also, remember he spent most of the month preparing his Florida defense for the Sugar Bowl.

Stud offensive guard Torrian Wilson from Miami Northwestern and Georgia dual-threat QB Marcus Smith both spurned offers from the mighty Gators by choosing Louisville this week. Both should be factors in some way next year whether it be on the offensive or defensive side of the ball. Strong won't be afraid to switch a guy positions or even sides of the ball if he feels he can help the team better elsewhere. Wilson and Smith join a slew of other recruits that include one of the best receivers in the country in Miami Northwestern standout Michaelee Harris and devastating Defensive end from Georgia BJ Butler. Harris chose Louisville over Miami FL and Tennessee with many analysts calling him the best "possession" guy in his class. Butler is a monster judging by his write-ups and decided to join former Georgia and new Cards defensive line coach John Fabris and spurn a verbal agreement with the Dawgs. Can you really blame the guy?

In the coming weeks expect decisions from a few other top recruits that are very high on Strong and Louisville. Former Texas Tech recruit WR Kadron Boone is down to the Cards and LSU. DT Todd Chandler (Wilson and Harris' HS teammate) is expected to choose the Cards soon after a very successful visit a couple weeks back. That would give the Cards 4 players from Miami Northwestern, a school known for producing top-notch talent since the days Schnelly coaches the Canes, in one class. Another guy to look at is Fred Harvey, a bruising OLB from the Memphis area who holds an offer from the Tennessee Dooleys. Unless the hostesses were retained by Vince's son I think the Cards should most likely land him as well. All these guys are very highly respected prospects and despite what people might think will qualify and contribute if they were to choose the Cards.

Locally, the big decision has yet to be made by Central star defender Tim Patterson. It's between the Cards and the Cats on this one and Patterson seems to be taking his time in choosing red or blue. All indications point to Patterson picking the Cards, but it seems he wants to ride out the "Jesus Shuttleworth Treatment" as long as he can. Teammate Stefon Robinson already chose Strong like 2 days into his tenure and local studs Quan Weaver and Harris Bivin held their previous commitments and will wear the red and black. I have always said I think it's essential for Strong to lock-down the top recruits in Kentucky and he seems to be doing just that.

It's an exciting time for Louisville football again and Spring practice is still a ways away. Funny how things can change when the head man has what it takes to recruit at a BCS school with great facilities. It might not happen this year, but by the way things are looking on the recruiting front, Charlie Strong will have the Cards back in the championship picture in the near future. It looks like the nightmare is over.