--Hunter Cantwell was all but guaranteed the team's starting quarterback job, but head coach Steve Kragthorpe didn't hand it to him. He wanted Cantwell, a senior who has stepped in ably in past years when Brian Brohm was injured, to earn his stripes.

Mission accomplished. Cantwell looked sharp all spring and was steady in the spring game.

"The biggest thing (I take out of the spring) is learning how to lead this team and to get into the right checks as far as the running game and taking over more of a leadership role," said Cantwell.

--Running backs stole the show in the spring game. Brock Bolen, Bilal Powell and Victor Anderson combined to gain 201 yards on 36 carries. New offensive coordinator Jeff Brohm studied under former Louisville coach Bobby Petrino, who liked the power-running game. The Cardinals seem to have that again after ignoring the run for large stretches last season.

SPRING MOVERS

--Freshman Victor Anderson turned a lot of heads as he took on a big spring role after his redshirt season. The local product is a sprite at just 5-foot-9, but he's explosively quick and surprisingly strong.

"We all knew he possessed great speed and great playmaking ability on the outside," head coach Steve Kragthorpe said. "But the thing I like about him is he's becoming a more complete player. I like his attitude and I like the physicalness he's playing with. That's something I wasn't quite sure of, and he's making me sure of it now."

--The defense didn't produce many stars, but lineman Earl

Heyman showed he is ready to be a force his junior season. Heyman plays both tackle and end on the D-line and does both well. He combined with teammate Adrian Grady for five sacks in the spring game. Maybe more importantly, he became more vocal and took on a leadership role as the spring wore on.

Grady also looked good and hopes for a big senior campaign after missing much of last year with assorted injuries. He's strong as a bull and can wreak havoc on the interior when he's right.

--Bilal Powell had a big end to his freshman year and now should be the starting running back. He's shifty and strong with good hands and vision. He could be ready to become a star.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We just don't have many players out there right now." -- Head coach Steve Kragthorpe on Louisville's spring game. Only about 65 players participated.

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