Brian Brohm’s talent is unquestioned. His health is another matter. If he can answer lingering questions about his durability by playing a full season in 2007, then he can go ahead and book his flight to New York in December.

Brohm suffered through another injury-plagued campaign in 2006 — ongoing recovery from offseason knee surgery, torn ligaments in his thumb in the third game, torn labrum in the Orange Bowl — yet still posted remarkable numbers in leading Louisville to a Big East championship. For the season, Brohm completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,049 yards and 16 touchdowns, with only five interceptions.

Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch

He’s back for his senior season, and he’s anxious to prove two things to fans and, perhaps more importantly, to NFL scouts — that he can stay healthy, and that the Cardinals’ recent success isn’t solely attributable to former coach Bobby Petrino. Brohm delayed his shot at NFL riches, ignoring the likelihood that he would have been a first-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft for another shot at college glory. The arrival of new coach Steve Kragthorpe, who is committed to maintaining Louisville’s high-octane reputation, had to make his decision easier, as did the fact that he has the Big East’s best receiving corps returning along with him. That unit, led by Mario Urrutia (16.8 ypc) and Harry Douglas (18.1 ypc), is oozing with big-play ability.

And there’s another factor playing in Brohm’s favor; with the departure of Michael Bush, Brohm doesn’t have to share the preseason awards hype with anyone on his own team.

Louisville Team Preview

One question dogs Brohm’s candidacy: can a suspect offensive line keep him upright? Look for some three-step drops and quick-hitting plays to keep Brohm on his feet and keep the chains moving and the stats piling up.

Once again, the Louisville schedule is back-loaded, giving Brohm the opportunity to post a late surge just before ballots are due. If the Cardinals successfully navigate the three-game gauntlet of West Virginia, South Florida and Rutgers, Brohm may head to New York as the favorite to win.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: Brohm didn’t come back to Louisville simply because he enjoys college life. He enters this season hungry and ambitious, and that makes him especially dangerous.

Why he’ll be left out: That old bugaboo, injuries, could once again derail Brohm’s candidacy before it gets going, especially with a rebuilt offensive line. There’s also a chance that Brohm and new coach Steve Kragthorpe won’t mesh as well as he did with Bobby Petrino.

Final analysis: Brohm is almost a given to post huge numbers, and Louisville is likely to be in BCS contention throughout the season. That combination should lead to an invitation to New York City — provided Brohm remains relatively healthy.
 
2006 Stat Line