Louisville lands QB Sweeney
By JEFF LOCKRIDGE
Staff Writer
Good quarterbacks adapt to sudden changes.
That's what Friendship senior Lee Sweeney does best. Even during recruiting season.
Sweeney was ready to call Arizona State his new home a week ago. Then the Sun Devils suspended his scholarship offer to woo another player.
''Things happen for a reason,'' Sweeney said. ''It's possible I wouldn't have even visited Louisville if not for that. I'm glad it happened like this.''
The Midstate's top quarterback prospect went to Louisville over the weekend and committed to the Cardinals before he left campus yesterday. The 6-4 senior selected the Conference USA champions over Arizona State, Connecticut and Troy.
Miami (Fla.) Coach Larry Coker had also expressed some interest.
''It was everything put together,'' Sweeney said. ''I liked the coaching staff, the host I stayed with, the campus, and the field was amazing. I would have been disappointed if didn't get to go there.''
Just a week ago Louisville had lost some of its appeal. The thought of playing backup to rising sophomore star Brian Brohm didn't sit well, so Sweeney knocked the Cardinals down on his wish list.
''Anywhere I go, there's going to be someone who's been there a year already,'' Sweeney said. ''Brohm's an awesome player. It's going to be a good competition.''
''They had come in twice to see Lee,'' Friendship Coach John McNeal said. ''Louisville's selling point was that he's one snap away from being the starter.''
Sweeney completed 174-of-275 passes for 2,819 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior, leading Friendship to an 11-2 record and the Class A quarterfinals. He was named The Tennessean's All-Midstate Offensive Player of the Year.
Louisville finished 11-1 and was ranked No. 6 in the final AP poll. The Cardinals beat Boise State 44-40 in the Liberty Bowl.
By JEFF LOCKRIDGE
Staff Writer
Good quarterbacks adapt to sudden changes.
That's what Friendship senior Lee Sweeney does best. Even during recruiting season.
Sweeney was ready to call Arizona State his new home a week ago. Then the Sun Devils suspended his scholarship offer to woo another player.
''Things happen for a reason,'' Sweeney said. ''It's possible I wouldn't have even visited Louisville if not for that. I'm glad it happened like this.''
The Midstate's top quarterback prospect went to Louisville over the weekend and committed to the Cardinals before he left campus yesterday. The 6-4 senior selected the Conference USA champions over Arizona State, Connecticut and Troy.
Miami (Fla.) Coach Larry Coker had also expressed some interest.
''It was everything put together,'' Sweeney said. ''I liked the coaching staff, the host I stayed with, the campus, and the field was amazing. I would have been disappointed if didn't get to go there.''
Just a week ago Louisville had lost some of its appeal. The thought of playing backup to rising sophomore star Brian Brohm didn't sit well, so Sweeney knocked the Cardinals down on his wish list.
''Anywhere I go, there's going to be someone who's been there a year already,'' Sweeney said. ''Brohm's an awesome player. It's going to be a good competition.''
''They had come in twice to see Lee,'' Friendship Coach John McNeal said. ''Louisville's selling point was that he's one snap away from being the starter.''
Sweeney completed 174-of-275 passes for 2,819 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior, leading Friendship to an 11-2 record and the Class A quarterfinals. He was named The Tennessean's All-Midstate Offensive Player of the Year.
Louisville finished 11-1 and was ranked No. 6 in the final AP poll. The Cardinals beat Boise State 44-40 in the Liberty Bowl.
