Louisville commits and targets weigh in on Bobby Petrino's firing
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Louisville parted ways with head coach Bobby Petrino on Sunday, ending his second tenure at the school after a 2-8 start to the 2018 season. The Cardinals also lost several commits over the past few weeks, leaving their 2019 recruiting class ranked No. 75 in the nation. The combination of on-field troubles along with recruiting woes was enough for the Louisville administration to show Petrino the door. Even though most saw it come, some recruits took the news as surprise. We caught up with several to get their thoughts.
The Situation: The crown jewel of Louisville's class, Johnson committed last fall and despite overtures from schools like Georgia, remained loyal to the Cardinals and vocal in his support of the school. Two minutes prior to Petrino's firing breaking, Johnson tweeted that he intended sign early with Louisville.
In his words: "I'm gonna see how it plays out and who the new staff is gonna be. I'm talking to (Louisville Athletic Director) Vince Tyra to see if the new staff was going to let us (the 10 current 2019 verbal commits) sign. I told him we are the ones who have been trying to build this thing back up."
The Situation: Murray committed to Louisville a little over a month ago over Michigan and other Power Five programs. Murray has been solid to Louisville since his commitment.
In his words: "As of right now, I am still committed to Louisville. I am just going to wait and see how it plays out."
The Situation: Robbins committed to the Cardinals as a running back over the summer, and prefers playing that position as opposed to linebacker. His standing with the Cards could come down to who the next coach is and how he sees Robbins fit.
In his words: "I don't have any thoughts right now, I will release a statement later after talking to my family."
The Situation: Snyder was already wavering on his commitment to the Cardinals and Petrino's firing could be the final straw that sends him back on the market. After a good senior season, his stock is on the rise and he's likely to have several new suitors.
In his words: "I figured it was coming just not this soon. My thoughts are with him, his staff and the team for sure. I’m staying committed at this time and see how everything plays out."
The Situation: Pruitte committed to the Cardinals over a number of other Power Five schools, mainly because of the school's assurance that he could play wide receiver, not tight end.
In his words: See tweet below.
The situation: Adkins committed to Louisville over the summer, electing to stay in state and play for the Cardinals. Louisville was his only Power Five offers.
In his words: See tweet below
The situation: One of the nation's top offensive linemen and a Louisville resident, Young is atop the board for the Cardinals in the 2020 class. Ohio State, Purdue, Notre Dame and Kentucky are among the schools involved in Young's recruitment.
In his words: "I think it’s best for the program right now. I’m very excited to see what direction they go in when hiring they’re next coach. I hope this pushes the program to the next level."
The situation: Weaver is just three weeks away from announcing his college decision and lists the Cardinals as a finalist, along with Miami, Kentucky and Purdue.
In his words: “I knew it was going to happen, but to be honest he is a great coach it’s just that he doesn’t have the players with him right now.”
The situation: Jones is one of the Cardinals prime targets at wide receiver, but he also has offers from Florida, Miami and several others.
In his words: "No comment."