Reported Michael Dyer Transfer to Louisville Is A Fresh Start
By Kyle Kensing
Nov 26, 2011; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Robert Lester (37) closes in on Auburn Tigers running back Michael Dyer (5) during the first half at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Rumors have consistently surrounded running back Michael Dyer, from the moment he was dismissed at Auburn last summer.
The latest rumor has Dyer transferring to join the Louisville Cardinals. Jon Cooper of Saturdays Down South tweeted that Dyer’s move appeared likely.
Looks like Michael Dyer will end up at Louisville. Would have liked to have seen him in the #SEC again.
— Jon Cooper (@JonCooperMedia) July 29, 2013
Dyer recently visited the 2013 Sugar Bowl champions’ home and earned a seal of approval from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater told ESPN the Cardinals would “take him in and welcome him.”
UL would fit Dyer’s description of finding a “big, D-I school” to ply his trade in the fall. Until it comes to fruition though, it’s important to remember that Dyer has been linked to other programs since he’s split from AU, to no avail.
The Tigers’ leading running back in 2010 and 2011, and hero of the BCS championship game, was once rumored to be headed to Prairie View A&M. Arkansas became the hot potential destination until Bret Bielema squashed those rumors at SEC Media Days.
If Louisville is indeed the spot though, it’s a mutually beneficial partnership.
For Dyer, Louisville could be the perfect place for a fresh start. Head coach Charlie Strong has run a tight ship in his three seasons as Cardinals’ head coach. He has also given other players the opportunity to start anew.
One such addition is tight end Zeke Pike, who tweeted his admiration for Strong last week.
I'm Blessed to play for a man that cares more about changing lives and growing boys into men then the game of football! #CardNation
— Zeke Pike (@ZekePike8) July 22, 2013
For Louisville, Dyer brings a dynamic presence to a backfield that could use it. Bridgewater is one of the top returning passers in the nation, but the Cardinals finished 2012 ranked No. 102 running the ball.
Louisville finished the season just under 1600 rushing yards as a team, only about 350 more than Michael Dyer carried for in 2011. Dyer surpassed 1200 yards that season, despite Auburn lacking consistency in its pass attack.
Combine Bridgewater’s accurate passing with Dyer’s prolific ball carrying, and the already dangerous Cardinal offense becomes downright explosive.