O.C. Prospect: Paul Petrino

One of the masterminds behind the success of the Cardinal offense has been Paul Petrino who is University of Louisville's offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. As the director of the Cardinal offense, he has earned the respect of many who believe the offense is one of the best in the country.

Petrino also tutored a wide receiver corps which was one of the best in school history, which featured two-time All-Conferece first team performer J.R. Russell, who caught 148 passes over the last two seasons.

This is Petrino's second stint in the Derby City, also coaching at Louisville from 1998-2000.

In 1998, with his brother Bobby Petrino coaching quarterback Chris Redman and at the reigns of the offense, and Paul tutoring a talented stable of receivers, the Cards established then U of L season records for points, scoring average, touchdowns, passing yards, passing touchdowns, attempts and completions and total offense.

In Petrino's two campaigns with the Cards, Arnold Jackson twice established single season school records for receptions and receiving yards on his way to becoming the NCAA I-A record-holder with 300 career receptions.

Before U of L, Petrino spent three seasons at Utah State where he tutored a pair of the nation's finest receivers in Kevin Alexander and Nakia Jenkins.

In 1995, Alexander finished second in the nation in receptions and third in receiving yards while establishing school records for catches and receiving yards. In his final two seasons, Petrino coached Jenkins to top 10 national finishes in receptions and receiving yards during the 1996 and '97 seasons.

Prior to his time in Logan, Petrino spent three seasons at Idaho where he coached wide receivers for two seasons, running backs for one season and special teams. As running backs coach in 1992, he tutored All-American Sherriden May who led all I-AA players in scoring with 150 points while rushing for 1,111 yards.

The 38-year-old Petrino previously served as offensive coordinator at his alma mater, Carroll College, for two seasons while working under his father, Bob, Sr.

As a player, Petrino was a four-year starter at quarterback for Carroll College from 1985-88 where he set 16 school records. As a senior, he earned Kodak All-American honors and was named the Football Gazette NAIA Division II Player of the Year. For his career, Petrino helped Carroll to a 36-6 mark and four Frontier Conference titles.

Petrino is very familiar with Florida and in fact has recruited and signed several quality high school players out of Tallahassee and elsewhere in Florida.