---

The Louisville Cardinals spring practice preview for 2017. Here are three storylines to follow leading up to the team’s spring game on April 15.

---

Louisville had a breakout 2016 college football season despite finishing the year on a three-game losing streak.

Bobby Petrino’s Cardinals enjoyed a Heisman Trophy run from electric dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, complete with a pounding of Florida State and a thrilling close loss to eventual national champion Clemson, en route to finishing the season at 9-4.

But after a 9-1 start, Petrino’s team had trouble protecting Jackson, dropping games to Houston, Kentucky and LSU, as the sophomore was battered behind a subpar O-Line.

With spring football just around the corner, let’s take a look at the biggest questions facing the Cardinals as they get set to prepare for their spring game on April 15 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium as well as the 2017 campaign.

Louisville Cardinals Spring Practice Storylines

1. Protecting Lamar

Heisman-winner Jackson is back, but the Cardinals had trouble protecting him in 2016, particularly in the last three games of the year—all losses. It will be up to new offensive line coach Mike Summers to ensure that the team’s top asset is much better protected than he was at the tail end of last season. Jackson recorded 3,543 passing yards, 1,571 rushing yards and 51 total touchdowns in 2016—obviously ridiculous numbers. But he completed less than 50 percent of his throws over those final three games, with protection issues being a big reason for the dropoff. Three starters need to be replaced on an O-Line that had its issues last fall, and Summers was brought in from Florida to shore up the unit across the board. It may not be fair, but the play of this unit is the biggest key to whether the Cards can seriously compete for an ACC Atlantic division crown. However, Summers can only do so much. It ultimately lands in the laps of the personnel. Perhaps some adjustments by Petrino in play-calling could mask some potential issues.

2. Toys for Lamar

The Cardinals averaged 42.5 points per game last season behind the arm and legs of Jackson. But, of course, this unit wasn’t just a one-man show—despite it appearing that way at times. Petrino needs to replace some key pieces from last year’s offense, including running back Brandon Radcliff, receivers James Quick and Jamari Staples and tight end Cole Hikutini. Over these 15 practices, Jackson will be looking to develop rapport with his new cast of playmakers. It is likely that the team will employ a committee at running back initially, but keep an eye on Colin Wilson. The true freshman was a four-star prospect who could get early looks if he picks up the offense. Meanwhile, Jaylen Smith is expected to be an explosive player after averaging 22.2 yards per catch and scoring six touchdowns last season.

3. Defensive re-tooling

In one of the strangest occurrences this offseason, Louisville and Mississippi State essentially traded defensive coordinators, as Todd Grantham left for the Bulldogs while Peter Sirmon was brought in by the Cardinals. While Devonte Fields and Keith Kelsey are gone, the expectation is that Sirmon will maintain the aggressive style that Grantham had installed. One player to keep an eye on in 2017 is true freshman safety C.J. Avery, who was the top-rated player to sign with the Cardinals in February. Petrino wanted to put an emphasis on bigger and lengthier DBs this past signing class, and the early enrollee will have a chance at immediate playing time as the Cards have to replace Josh Harvey-Clemons and build defensive backfield depth.

MORE: Virginia Tech Hokies Spring Practice Preview: 3 Storylines To Watch