By Malcolm C. Knox
The Associated Press

Eric Shelton, who came to Louisville from Florida State, had his best college game against UK last season, running for 151 yards. (Ap photo/Mark Cornelison)

LOUISVILLE—Eric Shelton is running out of time to put together the breakout season he has always dreamed of having.

Hardly used at Florida State and hampered by a neck injury last year, Shelton has two seasons left to fulfill the daunting expectations that have followed him since his days at Bryan Station High School.

He's confident this will be his year. He's the featured back in a deep, talented backfield that also includes Lionel Gates, Michael Bush and Kolby Smith.

"That's anybody's dream, to be the top running back," Shelton said. "I think this year will be really good, no doubt."

The Cardinals open the season against Kentucky on Sunday. Shelton ran for 151 yards against the Wildcats last year, his best college performance. The Cardinals ran for 240 yards in a 40-24 victory.

Shelton expects Kentucky to throw a better defensive scheme at Louisville's backs this time.

"It's going to be real tough, because I know they're aiming for me," he said.

If so, that's fine with offensive coordinator Paul Petrino. Even with All-Conference USA quarterback Stefan Lefors, the Cards will attack with the run again this season.

"I think the best thing we did last year is run the football," Petrino said. "Once you can run the football, that takes pressure off the O-line protecting and it takes the pressure off the quarterback."

Gates led the team with 817 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns last season. Bush, who played quarterback in high school, lined up at quarterback, receiver and running back last season but will focus on running the ball this season. He also might get some time at defensive back. Smith was a fullback exclusively last season but should see more carries this year.

All four have been taking turns at fullback and tailback at practice.

"They are probably the hardest-working group on the field," Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said. "They are not only working hard, but they're working on blocking for each other."

As hungry as Shelton is to shine by himself, he has no problem leaving the glory to his fellow backs.

"I take a lot of pride in that," he said. "It feels good when you knock a guy down and see somebody running for the touchdown."

Of course, he'd rather be running. Last year, he rushed for 790 yards and 10 touchdowns before suffering a neck injury against TCU. He was sidelined for the last three games of the regular season.

Still, Shelton realizes it was his most productive year in college.

"I was on my way to being a 1,000-yard rusher," Shelton said. "I had been sitting on the shelf for two years, so it felt pretty good."

In 2001, Shelton was fourth on the depth chart for the Seminoles and carried the ball only 29 times. He transferred to Louisville and sat out in 2002.

This offseason, Shelton focused on becoming a more complete back.

"I worked on a lot of rusty points in my game and polished stuff. Everybody knows I can run," he said.