Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw for 3,718 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, and to listen to Cardinals offensive coordinator Shawn Watson, Bridgewater could dwarf those numbers this season.
Watson has said that the number of personnel packages has doubled from last season, and he admits he tries to get as many touches as possible for certain players.
"The good thing is we have so many targets," he told reporters. "We want to spread the football around and not have one or two guys that defenses can target."
The Cardinals return three wide receivers who had at least 40 catches last season, go three-deep at tight end with the addition of Florida transfer Gerald Christian and also go three-deep at tailback with the addition of former Auburn star Michael Dyer.
The receiving corps should be one of the best in the nation. Junior Devante Parker (6-feet-3, 209 pounds) was the team's third-leading receiver last season, but he probably has the most long-term potential. He has excellent size and good speed, and has worked hard on his fundamentals in the offseason. He had 40 catches last season, for 744 yards (18.6 yards per catch) and a team-leading 10 TDs. Wide receiver coach Ron Dugans has said Parker basically got by on simple physical ability last season. Now that he understands the nuances of the position, including the importance of consistency and route-running, he should have a huge season.
Senior Damian Copeland and junior Eli Rogers combined for 96 receptions, 1,133 yards and six TDs last season. Rogers was a Bridgewater favorite on third down, which shouldn't be a surprise: They were teammates in high school at powerhouse Miami Northwestern and have a special connection.
Solid depth comes in the form of two transfers (Robert Clark from Florida and Matt Milton from Tennessee), a former starter returning from injury (Michaelee Harris, another ex-Miami Northwestern standout) and a speedy senior who has bided his time (Jarrett Davis).
Louisville also likes to throw to its backs, so Dyer and holdover tailbacks Senorise Perry (705 yards last season) and Dominique Brown (who redshirted last season after rushing for 533 yards in 2011) could be busy in the passing game, too.
Running back coach Kenny Carter can see using all three backs.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
