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CARDINALS

Will Gardner takes lead in Louisville's starting QB race

Jonathan Lintner
@JonathanLintner
  • Running back Michael Dyer returned to the field.
  • Bobby Petrino announced a position change.
  • U of L will practice on Tuesdays%2C Wednesdays%2C Fridays and Saturdays.
University of Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino talks with quarterback Will Gardner on Tuesday during the first day of the Cardinals’ spring practices at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium.

It wasn't by design that when a drill involving a quarterback began Tuesday as the University of Louisville's football program opened spring practices, Will Gardner typically took the first repetition.

"Sometimes you just like to sit back and see who's going to take the reins and go with it," Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said.

That's what Gardner, the redshirt sophomore and backup to Teddy Bridgewater last season, has done so far while taking the lead in the Cardinals' battle to find a new starter.

Petrino noted after his first spring practice, which lasted about 2 1/2 hours on a chilly afternoon at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, that Gardner "is ahead" of the other contenders. Senior Brett Nelson and redshirt freshman Kyle Bolin took their share of repetitions as well on Tuesday, often with U of L's second group.

Gardner "certainly has a better grasp of the offense, but he has to make better decisions — distribute the ball better, be more accurate on his passing," Petrino said. "But I really like the way he's coachable. I like his understanding of the game of football, and he's got the ability to make all the different throws that we need.

"…I think he's a natural leader. When we had testing a couple weeks ago, he really jumped out and excelled and showed his competitive spirit. The players respect him."

The Cardinals will practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays leading up to their April 11 spring game. What a smattering of fans saw Tuesday was a quick pace to drills with constant movement, direction from lively assistants and plenty of hollering by the head coach — just as Petrino's practices have always gone.

Beginning his second stint as U of L's coach, Petrino said he made sure to walk the field's entire 100 yards before practice, soaking in his return. Then the Cardinals got to work.

"It was really up tempo," said senior Jake Smith, a returning anchor on the offensive line. "Guys were really excited to get out here and practice again. The first day of spring is always like this — really exuberant, a lot of tenacity, guys are moving around and running around."

• Senior running back Michael Dyer, who hadn't previously been working out with the Cardinals while recovering from offseason hernia surgery, made his return to the field Tuesday. Petrino said the former Auburn back known for his 2011 BCS Championship Game MVP performance "had good vision" upon his return.

"I was impressed with a couple of the runs when he made really good cuts and showed some acceleration," Petrino said. "He just has to get more reps and more work."

• Petrino also announced a position change Tuesday to bring more depth to an offensive line he described as "a really good group." Sophomore Pedro Sibiea moved from defensive tackle to join a group that includes senior trio Jamon Brown, John Miller and Smith.

Jonathan Lintner can be reached at (502) 582-4199; follow him on Twitter @JonathanLintner.