While nearly 4,500 fans watched intently from the Papa John's Cardinal Stadium stands as the 14th-ranked Cardinals conducted their final open practice on Saturday evening, Alcoa (TN) High School quarterback Joei Fiegler was on the sidelines doing the same.
"When we got there I couldn't believe that people were out there tailgating," said Fiegler.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound lefty had already become familiar with Louisville's football facilities while in town for the program's QB/WR camp in early June, but Saturday's FanFest was his first opporunity to see Petrino's squad in person.
"They have a really good football team," Fiegler told InsideTheVille.com. "I still can't believe that Michael Bush is only a junior. The whole team is big and fast - they should win a lot of games this year."
Prior to the FanFest, Fiegler, who arrived in Louisville around noon, spent time with the quarterbacks and coach Jeff Brohm watching film.
"I didn't get to meet with the coaches for long because they all had team meetings to get ready for practice," he explained. "I had a great visit though - I really like it up there."
While a similar schedule is kept for the coaches following practice, as they review the day's video, Fiegler did spend a few moments with assistant coach Tony Levine.
"He told me to hang in there because they want me to be with them on signing day," said Fiegler, who took an unofficial visit to Tennessee on Wednesday.
Fiegler, who threw for 2,418 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior, will open play this weekend against Hopkinsville in Integra Bowl at Trigg County.
NOTE: He'll make his second unofficial visit to Southern Miss on September 4th for their home opener against Tulane.