LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Louisville coach Charlie Strong has signed 17 recruits, aiming to build on the Cardinals' successful run to a Sugar Bowl championship.

Strong put special emphasis on bolstering his defense with 10 commitments, including five in the secondary. Eight of the 17 signees are from Florida, which has provided the Cardinals plenty of talent.

But the biggest name was on offense and from the Cardinals' backyard. Wide receiver James Quick is believed to be Louisville's highest-rated recruit ever.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound speedster finished his Trinity High School career as the state's all-time leader in receptions, leading the Shamrocks to three championships. Quick was selected as Kentucky's Mr. Football and MVP of the U.S. Army All-American game, and ranked by Scout.com as the country's 21st-best player.