BOZICH | What do Tyler Shough's teammates see in Louisville's new quarterback? | Sports

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For all the grumbling that surrounded the final three games Jack Plummer served as the University of Louisville quarterback last season, take a second to make note of this:

With Andy Dalton dealing with a leg injury, Plummer is the Carolina Panthers' backup quarterback, the guy expected to get the majority of the snaps after starter Bryce Young exits Carolina's exhibition opener at New England next Thursday.

Yes, Plummer had too many fumbles in 2023 and, yes, he threw 12 interceptions. But he also threw for more than 3,200 yards with 21 touchdowns in Jeff Brohm's offense.

Several days into summer camp, the word around Brohm's second U of L team is the Cardinals are determined to take it up a notch with quarterback play with two-time transfer Tyler Shough replacing Plummer.

Productivity has not been an issue for Shough. He's 63% career passer with 36 touchdowns in 562 passing attempts. Staying on the field has been the issue. Shough has never played in more than seven games in any season.

Brohm and Shough have talked extensively about how they expect to upgrade Louisville's offense. More deep balls. Quicker scoring drives. Greater use of the tight end. A more dynamic offensive vibe.

Friday was the Cards' annual football media day. Rather than ask Brohm or Shough about what Shough can do for the Cardinals, I asked four U of L players — safety Devin Neal; linebacker T.J. Quinn, offensive tackle Michael Gonzalez and receiver Chris Bell — about what they have seen from Shough during the spring and summer.

This their take on what Shough, the 24-year-old transfer from Oregon and Texas Tech, brings to Brohm's offense:

T.J. QUINN: "He's definitely a dynamic quarterback. He has a lot of experience, so if I have some questions about, 'What are you looking at here?' I can go to him and ask him that.

"But from him, I feel like from Day One those boys are going to take a lot of deep shots. Definitely going to try to air it out more this year.

"I'm excited to see what Tyler can bring. He's definitely the real deal. Since Day One when he stepped on campus and got in the locker room with us, he was that alpha guy as a quarterback should be. That arm is real."

DEVIN NEAL: "I've seen wisdom, knowledge and experience (from Shough). He's got all of that from being in college, what, seven years (three at Oregon; three at Texas Tech; one at U of L)?

"He's got years on him. He's got knowledge on him. He knows what he's doing. I feel like as a defense we're trying to make him work because if you give him any indicator, he's going to notice it because he's been playing ball for a really long time.

"They're taking (deep) shots already in practice. People have seen it. I definitely think they're going to stretch the field out and make those deep ball passes. They're really electric to see, so I look forward to seeing it."

MICHAEL GONZALEZ: "Trust me, it's going to get dangerous out there. We're going to give him that time (to throw). It's going to get dangerous, though ...

"… I feel like he's a great all-around quarterback. He's shown that he can do everything. He's an older guy. He's experienced.

"You can just tell when he's out there, he's loose. He'll cut it loose. He's not afraid to go ahead and sling it. He's got great confidence to him. I feel like he can do everything they've asked of him in this offense. It's a big offense and he's picked it up pretty easily."

CHRIS BELL: "He's more mobile. He can run, pass. There's going to be a lot on him. Instead of the coach always calling plays, the coach is going to let him be free and call plays. So I'm really excited for that …

"… With Tyler, he loves to throw it deep, so Coach Brohm is going to call his shot, give us our opportunity. I'm impressed by how he controls the offense and how he moves the ball.

"He's got some elite skills in his bag, and I can't wait until you all see it."

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