CRAWFORD | Key storylines as Louisville opens 3rd spring practice under Jeff Brohm | U of L Sports

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Spring football, like everything else in college sports, is changing. In the Big Ten, five schools have canceled spring games for a variety of reasons, with one being the concern of having players poached after promising spring showings. The same has happened with four schools in the SEC and two (Florida State and N.C. State) in the ACC.

Louisville not only will hold its spring game as usual April 12, but Cardinals' coach Jeff Brohm has opened six practices to the public, including Monday's opening session at 3:30 p.m. on the practice fields adjacent to L&N Stadium.

There's no shortage of storylines. The Cardinals return two big-time runners in Isaac Brown and Duke Watson. Both averaged better than eight yards per carry and they combined for 18 touchdowns as freshmen.

But who will be blocking for them and the new quarterback who will be running the offense will be items of high interest this spring. Among the things to watch:

1. Miller Moss Takes Over at Quarterback

USC transfer Miller Moss arrives with high expectations after an impressive 2023 Holiday Bowl performance against Louisville, but he was benched late last season at USC. Brohm praised Moss’s arm talent and experience, noting that while he’s a different type of leader than Tyler Shough, he has quickly grasped the playbook. Spring practice will be crucial for Moss as he builds chemistry with his receivers and adapts to Brohm’s system.

"I think he can throw a good football," Brohm said. "He's played a lot of games. He has a ton of experience. He's had ups and downs, kind of like Tyler (Shough), kind of like Jack (Plummer), but I think he's played against good football teams and he's been battle tested. He's picked up what we've done to this point very well. I think he's a leader in a different way than Tyler, but he's a very good leader, and he wants to go out on this last year with a bang, and we want to help him do that."

2. Deion Branch Steps into Full-Time Coaching Role

Louisville legend Deion Branch has officially joined the coaching staff as wide receivers coach. Brohm emphasized Branch’s ability to connect with players and his deep understanding of the position. The transition from an off-field role to an on-field coach will be a key storyline, especially as Branch helps develop a receiver group with both veteran and new faces.

"The biggest curve for me right now, I would say, is picking up the million plays that Coach Brohm uses," Branch said. "That's the biggest curve. I mean, realistically, this is what I do. This is what I am. I'll pick all this stuff up. ... You know, running sleds, curls, hitches and all that stuff will stay the same. Maybe the verbiage changes, and then the players. That's the only difference. Me adjusting to the guys that are in the room, being that you have this transfer portal cycle. That is probably the hardest part about it. You just never know who's going to be in the room this semester and next semester."

3. Revamped Offensive Line

After a strong 2024 season, the Cardinals' offensive line will look different in 2025. Several key contributors departed, but Brohm remains confident in the group’s depth thanks to portal additions and returning players. Spring practice will be the first major test for the new-look unit as it works to provide stability for Moss and the running game. Look for Purdue transfer Mahamane Moussa to be a leader among the new additions.

"I think our offensive line will do a really good job," Brohm said. "We feel like we're two-deep again. We had quite a few injuries last year and I think the depth helped us. We had many guys step in and do a very good job. I think how you call plays, what plays you call, the quarterback being able to see things, get the ball out quickly, all those things, and having a good running game, all those things tie into making the O-line look efficient. But last year they did outstanding for us."

4. Where will the receiver depth come from?

Louisville has two established playmakers at wide receiver in returnees Caullin Lacy and Chris Bell, but who will emerge to join them. The loss of Ja’Corey Brooks is a big one. The four other returning scholarship receivers combined for just 10 catches a year ago. T.J. McWilliams played sparingly at Minnesota and Bobby Golden was second on the team in receptions at Akron. Also worth watching, the competition at tight end after the losses of Mark Redman and Jamari Johnson. Nate Kuirisky is back, though, after making 12 catches, three for touchdowns, a year ago.

5. Who are the standout defensive additions?

Among the defensive portal additions expected to contribute right away are Florida International JoJo Evans and Baylor transfer Corey Gordon at free safety. Evans could be among the Cardinals’ top tacklers this season. Up front, Coastal Carolina transfer defensive end Clev Lubin drew interest from several SEC and Big Ten schools before settling on Louisville. He was a junior college Al-American and had 12 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks last season.

Open practices for fans will be today and tomorrow, Friday March 21, Saturday March 22 and Thursday, March 27.

Louisville's Spring Game on Friday, April 11, will be at 7 p.m. April 11 in L&N Stadium.

Fans are not permitted to take photos or videos from the stands or the sidelines during practice. All spectators must stay in the stands or behind the ropes at all times. Check U of L's website for updates to practice times.

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