Morning Coffee: What Louisville football players are saying speaks volumes

Gentry Estes
Courier Journal

Something obviously went really wrong with Louisville's football program last season. "Quit" may not be the fairest word, but it was apparent that many Cardinals players were not giving a maximum effort, and the scoreboard kept reflecting it.

Without specifics as to exactly why that happened, the picture being painted this spring by players is that of a previous coaching staff that wasn't as accessible, energetic or engaged as the new one.

It is a popular sports trope after any staff change for athletes to say how much better things are under new leadership. Often, it doesn't mean anything.

Related:Louisville QB Malik Cunningham says new offense 'fits me perfect'

But for Louisville right now, it seems like it does, if only because we're still trying to figure out how a team can go from playoff contention in 2016 to a two-win season in 2018.

I mean, Lamar Jackson was a great player, but ...

Returning players are suggesting it simply wasn't fun to play football at Louisville.

Quarterback Malik Cunningham: "It's a difference, a big difference. Coach (Scott) Satterfield is bringing nothing but positive energy to the program and around here. We love it here now. ... We all just like being here. It hadn't been like that in a long time."

Cornerback Cornelius Sturghill: "The coaches, they bring a lot of energy. That's what the players were looking for. They make us want to be here. They bring a lot of energy. ... More engaged."

Cunningham again: "I've never seen a staff like this. I love every coach. I try to get to know all of them. It's crazy now I can actually get to face time with coaches. I couldn't ... do that back then."

Receiver Dez Fitzpatrick: "The vibes, it's a lot more positive. ... I'm excited for the future. I'm excited with what's going on around here. The atmosphere is changing dramatically. I'm definitely liking it."

More:Louisville football off and running as Satterfield's first spring begins

When it comes to college football, decisions to change head coaches – especially one as successful as Bobby Petrino has been – can be difficult, easy to second-guess and potentially divisive in a locker room.

Two practices into spring, that is clearly not the case around Louisville's program. That's no guarantee of success for Satterfield's staff, mind you, but a well-received change has been tangible.

Just listen to the players.

Social Hour

Speaking of former Louisville football coaches, Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham flirted with the Cincinnati Bengals before opting to stay with the Gators and make more money. 

Yes, Grantham has long been as good as anyone in his profession when it comes to benefiting from the offseason coaching game.

Kevin Knox! Getting a little payback for Tuesday night's UK game by doing this to Ben Simmons (of LSU):

And the college baseball season starts today. Louisville returns a bunch and is among the national favorites, while Kentucky doesn't return nearly as much.

What We're Reading

The state of Kentucky is preparing for a whole lot o' hoops in March.

WKU coach Rick Stansbury remains out with a back ailment, and he's now going to have surgery to repair it.

Fighting has been a major problem this season for high school basketball programs in Tennessee.

Special for Valentine's Day, the Bilas Index ranked teams 1-68.

Golfer Matt Kuchar earned more than $1.2 million at a tournament in November. And he paid his caddy only $5,000 of it.

I've heard more discussion about this New York Times article on musician Ryan Adams than any story in a while.

And hey Louisville fans, the latest edition of ScoreCards with Dominique Yates is a good one. Don't miss it.

For The Road

So the NFL is barring players from this year's scouting combine for previous convictions of a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence.

Not to condone such things, of course, but you have to ask ...

Why? What is this accomplishing?

The point of the combine is to scout potential draft picks. It's not a party. It's more like a job interview. And it is far more valuable to NFL teams – who can watch and meet with a large number of potential draftees in a short time – than it is for players, many of whom don't enjoy the pressure-packed process.

Also:Report: Joe Flacco traded to Denver Broncos, clearing way for Lamar Jackson

NFL teams do their homework. They know about past transgressions and potential red flags far more than the general public. But restricting a professional opportunity like this for players doesn't make sense, because all you're doing is making it more difficult for NFL teams. They are going to weigh the risks and continue to scout and draft good players anyway, whether they are at the combine or not.

If you don't want guys with certain issues playing in the NFL, then don't let them play in the NFL. But to simply not allow them at the combine is a shallow move that does nothing other than allow the NFL to say it is doing something.

Gentry Estes: 502-582-4205; gestes@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @Gentry_Estes. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/gentrye