Brohm's first task is to avoid injury bug

If Brian Brohm is going to be a serious Heisman Trophy contender, he first will have to stay healthy.

The University of Louisville quarterback missed the last two games of his sophomore year with a knee injury. A torn thumb ligament kept him out of two games and slowed him in others last season.

But Brian Brohm says this year could be different. He is noticeably stronger this summer, a result of putting five pounds onto his 6-foot-4 frame since spring practice, when he was listed at 226.

"I'm finally back to where I'm healthy and able to go full speed in the weight room," said the senior, who had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder shortly after the Orange Bowl. "My foot speed is a lot better, and I'm in a lot better shape. I'm head and shoulders above where I was starting last year."