Duke falls flat at Clemson, suffering a humiliating loss

February 5, 2009 Mark Watson

The wheels came off for the third ranked team in the country and Clemson showed no mercy in route to an easy 74-47 victory in Little John Coliseum. The Blue Devils

The team will go back to practice in search of the Duke way.

struggled so badly that Coach K tried every combination possible but chemistry was nowhere to be found.

The Duke guards struggled mightily with Paulus, Scheyer and Smith going for 8 total points. Singler was saddled with early foul trouble and ... Look! There is no reason to continue for Duke just played their worst game in recent memory.

Fans can throw a beat down on the team, but Duke is still tied atop the ACC with UNC and 19-3 overall. But there is not much more one can say which is positive for this loss was inexplicably bad.

Duke had two players in double figures, committed 16 turnovers giving Clemson 20 plus points and dished a paltry 7 assists.

The Blue Devils have clearly struggled on the road of late and the offense is becoming a concern. Then there is Scheyer's shooting slump, the lack of production at the point and well, Duke has a lot to work on before they take on a hungry Miami team.

I'm not one to throw the team under the bus and I feel certain they'll be back, but a loss like they suffered tonight is, well K said it best -

Coach K said they didn't fight, didn't compete and that he was not sure if a Duke team had ever played that bad. He said the team plays like it prepares and that they have had two bad practices in a row.

"We didn't want the game for some reason. Nobody is hurt. I don't think we played hard enough to get hurt. We went for one handed rebounds and not one Duke player dived for the ball. It was a really embarrassing performance," stated a bewildered Krzyzewski. He went on to say it was his fault, but that this wasn't the Duke way. "A Duke team can't play that way. That's the bottom line."

Duke Football

Cutcliffe quotes from Duke Football signing day – Part I

February 4, 2009 Mark Watson

Cut Quotes -

Kudo's to fans -

I think this is a great start to the 2009 year. Our fan base is significant in recruiting. These kids came officially or unofficially to ball games and felt and sensed the enthusiasm surrounding Duke Football.

On High School coaches -

This has been the most enjoyable year I have had dealing with high school coaches. We disrupt his day and are on the

David Cutcliffe has the support of AD Kevin White and talks of the excitment surrounding Duke Football. That excitment is now being felt on the recruiting trail. Photo copyright BDNP

phones with him constantly and they are unselfish concerning the young men that play for him.

On in state LOI's -

There are nine players out of this class from the state of North Carolina and their coaches have been awesome.

Emphasis -

What I call the emphasis of this class was on speed and skill and what I call size and skill. What I mean by that is it's an emphasis on movement, and emphasis on being able to move your feet. Football is a game of movement and collision. When identifying football players, they show that. If they can't run and hit then they don't belong at this level.

Balance of Class -

Our class is balanced - four defensive linemen and four offense lineman and the rest we have listed at backs. We have our reason for listing them that way because anything can happen, you're not sure where they'll end up. A large group of linebackers which was an emphasis for us - great balance and tons of speed.

On looking for discipline -

We looked for disciplined and conditioning. I don't like poorly conditioned players and the programs they came from many of them competed for state championships. They're disciplined young men from disciplined families. I really pay attention to the conditioning level. We are asking them to pick that up a notch now that they are in our fold and I expect him to do that. Most importantly, some great people. I'm excited and appreciative of what we've done. There is a board upstairs and it's easy to write there names on the board, but it took a lot of work by a lot of people to get to that point. We had 27 names and got all of them.

On how the staff has been received -

You would be shocked at the reception we got. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding Duke Football has carried over. Hey, we go into Central Florida and people are saying congratulations, yall are back. We go to New Jersey and hear the same thing ... Detroit, Michigan and California. I probably owe Mike Krzyzewski thanks because he makes everybody in the sports world aware of Duke.

More on in state recruiting -

We are doing a pretty extensive study and the teams with success recruit well within a 200 mile radius. We are going to recruit North Carolina very had and North Carolina is very worthy of being recruited. There's a lot of good football players that will be 2010 and 2011 graduates.

**We'll bring you part II shortly. Stay tuned for more coverage on the class of 2009 for Duke Football

Duke Football

The Duke Blue Devils sign 27 players to letters of intent

February 4, 2009 Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke University head football coach David Cutcliffe and his staff announced on Wednesday that 27 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to join the Blue Devil gridiron program.

The class includes one quarterback, 10 linemen and 16 backs. A total of nine states are represented in the group as Duke signed a class-high eight student-athletes from North Carolina, including a ninth — Bahamas native August Campbell — who attends Christ School in Asheville. The group includes five student-athletes from Florida and South Carolina and four from Georgia. States with one player each are California, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia.

Back Desmond Scott, a SuperPrep All-America pick, and Hillside High School teammate Corey Gattis, a Shrine Bowl participant, are a pair of Durham natives joining the program. Scott rushed for 2,249 yards as a senior while Gattis was the Area Offensive Player of the Year pick from the Durham Herald-Sun after accounting for over 3,300 yards and 24 touchdowns. The tandem led the Hornets to a 12-2-1 record and an appearance in the state playoff semifinals.

Other North Carolina natives include linemen Joey Finison (Greensboro), Justin Foxx (Charlotte) and Perry Simmons (Raleigh) along with backs Ross Cockrell (Waxhaw), Zach Greene (Raleigh) and Kevin Rojas (Raleigh). Finison helped Ragsdale High School to a 13-1 ledger in 2008 while Foxx posted 85 tackles and 17 sacks for Victory Christian as a senior. Simmons was an all-state pick at Sanderson High School and played in the 72nd annual Shrine Bowl.

Cockrell guided Latin High School to 24 wins over his final two seasons while Greene helped Leesville Road to 35 victories over his three campaigns. Rojas was a two-time all-conference pick at Wakefield High School and Campbell amassed 237 tackles with seven interceptions in his three seasons at Christ School.

Backs Austin Gamble, Tyree Glover and Conner Vernon and linemen Ryan Hall and Dave Harding enjoyed success in the prep ranks in the state of Florida. Glover recorded a school single-season record 154 tackles in his final campaign while Gamble is listed as the 35th-best inside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com. An all-state wide receiver, Vernon led the Miami area in receiving yards after a 60-reception, 1,163-yard senior campaign. Hall is charted as the 37th-best tight end in the nation by Rivals.com while Harding, the 33rd-top offensive guard in the country according to Rivals.com, played in the Under Armour All-American Game last month.

Two sets of prep teammates highlight the five members of the class from South Carolina. Linemen John Coleman and Sydney Sarmiento hail from West Florence High School and both played in the state’s annual North-South All-Star Game. Backs Walt Canty and Taylor Sowell, who helped Dorman to a 13-1 ledger in 2008, join the class as does back Lex Butler, an Anderson, S.C., native and the younger brother of current Blue Devil cornerback Lee Butler.

Georgia is represented by linemen John Drew, Jack Farrell and Brandon Putnam along with back Kyle Griswould. Drew is listed as the 20th-best defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com while Farrell had 37 receptions for 582 yards over his final two seasons. Putnam posted 54 tackles as Sandy Creek High School went 11-1 in 2008 and Griswould rushed for over 3,500 in his career at Shaw High School. All four Peach State signees were named to the Georgia 150 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Back Garrett Patterson signed with the Blue Devils out of Monacan (Va.) High School after posting 81 tackles to earn all-state honors as a senior. Sean Schroeder, a left-handed quarterback from Dana Hills (Calif.) High School, completed 175-of-267 passes for 2,826 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions as a senior.

New Jersey native Tyree Watkins is listed as the 64th-best wide receiver in the nation by Rivals.com and was an All-Northeast Region selection by SuperPrep in 2008. Fellow back Anthony Young-Wiseman earned all-state honors in Maryland following his senior season at Walt Whitman High School.

Greene, Hall, Rojas and Sarmiento all enrolled at Duke last month.

Lex Butler

Back • 5-10, 175

Anderson, S.C. • Westside

• Three-year letterman at Westside under Ted Luckadoo

• Listed as the 68th-top cornerback in the nation by ESPN.com

• Missed entire senior season due to injury

• Despite not playing in 2008, received All-Mid Atlantic Region honors from SuperPrep

• As a junior, recorded 80 tackles, 15 pass breakups and one interception as Westside went 10-3 with a state playoff appearance

• Earned all-area honors in junior season

• Helped Westside to 9-4 ledger, region championship and state playoff berth as a sophomore

• Also lettered in track and field

• Son of Lee Butler and Angel Yeldell

• Brother, Lee, is a member of the Duke football program

• Born August 9, 1991

August Campbell

Back • 6-3, 215

Nassau, Bahamas • Christ (N.C.) School

• Three-year letterman at Christ School under Michael Williamson and Jamie Auch

• Three-time all-conference and two-time all-state pick

• Had 91 tackles, four sacks, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions while scoring four defensive touchdowns during senior campaign

• Posted 82 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions as a junior

• Helped Christ School to consecutive state playoff berths in 2007 and 2008

• Posted career totals of 237 tackles, 16 sacks, seven interceptions and seven fumble recoveries while scoring six defensive touchdowns on four interception returns and two fumble returns

• Also lettered in baseball

• Son of Blanch and Edmund Campbell

• Born August 13, 1990

Walt Canty

Back • 6-0, 220

Roebuck, S.C. • Dorman

• Three-year letterman at Dorman under David Gutshall

• Charted as the 26th-top safety in the nation and the 15th-best overall prospect in South Carolina by Rivals.com

• Charted as one of the top 25 overall prospects in South Carolina by the Charlotte Observer

• As a senior, posted 84 tackles and four interceptions while rushing for 501 yards and 16 touchdowns as Dorman went 13-1, was ranked as high as No. 12 in the USA Today national rankings and advanced to the state 4A Division I semifinals

• Named all-state in 2008 by the Associated Press

• Area Defensive Player of the Year pick by the Spartanburg Herald-Journal

• All-Mid Atlantic Region pick by SuperPrep

• Earned defensive MVP honors of the annual Shrine Bowl after posting four tackles including two for loss and helping South Carolina hold North Carolina to 120 yards of offense in a 24-16 win

• In the Shrine Bowl, rushed four times for 63 yards including a nine-yard touchdown run and returned four punts for 55 yards

• High school teammate of fellow Duke signee Taylor Sowell

• Son of Donna and Walter Canty

• Born October 28, 1990

Ross Cockrell

Back • 6-0, 170

Waxhaw, N.C. • Latin

• Two-year letterman under Larry McNulty at Charlotte Latin

• Charted as the 74th-top cornerback in the nation by Scout.com

• Listed as the 76th-best cornerback in the country by Rivals.com

• In senior season, had 29 receptions for 459 yards and 11 touchdowns while posting 34 tackles and three interceptions as Latin went 9-3 and reached the state championship game

• Helped Latin to a 13-0 record and state title as a junior by catching 41 passes for 806 yards and seven touchdowns and compiling 38 tackles and nine interceptions with four defensive touchdowns

• Scored six defensive touchdowns during prep career

• Two-time all-conference and all-state selection

• Also lettered in basketball and track and field, earning all-conference honors in both sports

• At the NCISAA 3A state championship track and field meet, placed first in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter and 4x400-meter relay competitions

• Son of Serena and Kieth Cockrell

• Father played football at Columbia University

• Born August 6, 1991

John Coleman

Line • 6-5, 280

Florence, S.C. • West Florence

• Three-year letterman under Trey Woodberry

• Listed as the 64th-best offensive tackle in the nation by ESPN.com

• Charted by SCVarsity.com as the seventh-best offensive lineman and the 57th-top overall prospect in South Carolina

• Earned All-Pee Dee honors from the Florence Morning News after helping West Florence to a 7-5 mark and state playoff berth

• All-Mid Atlantic Region pick by SuperPrep

• Named a 2008-09 Carolina Panthers Community Captain for excellence in athletics, academics and community service

• Helped the South squad to a 24-14 win in the annual South Carolina North-South All-Star game on December 13, 2008 in Myrtle Beach

• Received all-region honors following junior season

• Also lettered in basketball and weightlifting

• High school teammate of fellow Duke signee Sydney Sarmiento

• Son of Lillian and John Coleman

• Father played football at South Carolina

• Born June 21, 1990

John Drew

Line • 6-1, 315

Midland, Ga. • Northside

• Four-year letterman at Northside under Paul Cates

• Charted as the top defensive tackle in Georgia and the 21st-best defensive tackle in the country by ESPN.com

• Listed as the 211th-best overall prospect and the 20th-best defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com

• Also charted by Rivals.com as the fifth-top run-stuffer among defensive tackles in the country and the 14th-best overall prospect in Georgia

• Listed as the 40th-best defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com

• Recorded 72 tackles and seven sacks during senior season

• All-Dixie Region pick by SuperPrep

• Honorable mention AAA all-state pick by the Associated Press and Georgia Sports Writers Association

• Named to the Georgia 150 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

• With five tackles, helped the South team to a 17-0 win in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Classic

• Two-time All-Bi City selection by the Ledger-Enquirer

• Logged 70 tackles and nine sacks as a junior

• Finished career with 223 tackles and 19 sacks

• Also lettered in basketball and track and field

• Son of Chandra and Roderick Drew

• Born July 2, 1991

Jack Farrell

Line • 6-2, 225

Atlanta, Ga. • Holy Innocents’

• Three-year letterman under Ryan Livezey at Holy Innocents’

• Charted as the 76th-top tight end in the country by ESPN.com

• Listed as the 100th-best tight end in the nation by Scout.com

• Named to the Georgia 150 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

• As a senior, caught 13 passes for 258 yards while helping Holy Innocents’ to a 9-4 record and state playoff berth

• Served as team captain and earned first team all-area and all-region in 2008

• Had 24 catches for 324 yards during junior season and received Atlanta All-Northside honors

• Helped Holy Innocents’ to three-year record of 20-14 with two state playoff appearances

• Also lettered in baseball and helped Holy Innocents’ to AA state championship in 2007

• Son of John and Susan Farrell

• Father played football at Dickinson College

• Born May 30, 1990

Joey Finison

Line • 6-4, 280

Greensboro, N.C. • Ragsdale

• Three-year letterman at Ragsdale under Tommy Norwood

• Started 36 career games, helping the Tigers to a 27-10 record and three state playoff berths

• Guided Ragsdale to a 13-1 record in 2008

• First team All-Area pick by the Greensboro News & Record as a senior

• Also earned all-conference honors and Ragsdale’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award

• Two-time all-region choice in track and field

• Also lettered the track and field, earning conference crowns in both the discus and shot put

• Son of Joseph and Tisha Finison

• Born June 11, 1990

Justin Foxx

Line • 6-3, 230

Charlotte, N.C. • Victory Christian

• Three-year letterman at Victory Christian under Frank Crockett

• Tabbed the 27th-best weakside defensive end in the nation and the 13th-top overall prospect in North Carolina by Rivals.com

• Recorded 85 tackles and 17 sacks as a senior en route to earning all-state accolades

• All-Mid Atlantic Region pick by SuperPrep

• As a junior, compiled 11 sacks and seven caused fumbles

• Helped Victory Christian to 19 wins over three seasons

• Also lettered in basketball

• Son of Jethro and Vernetta Foxx

• Born May 30, 1991

Austin Gamble

Back • 6-1, 230

Weston, Fla. • Cypress Bay

• Three-year letterman at Cypress Bay under Mark Guandolo

• Listed as the 35th-top inside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com

• Charted as the 44th-best strongside linebacker in the nation by Scout.com

• Listed as the 55th-top inside linebacker in the country by Rivals.com

• As a senior, posted 115 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception as Cypress Bay went 10-2

• Florida Sports Writers Association 6A third team all-state pick

• Earned first team all-county honors

• Helped Cypress Bay to a three-year record of 28-7 with three state playoff appearances

• Also lettered in track and field

• Earned district and region crowns while finishing fifth in the state in the discus

• Claimed district and region titles while placing sixth in the state in the shot put

• Son of Sharon and John Gamble

• Father serves as the Director of Player Development for the Miami Dolphins

• Born September 27, 1990

Corey Gattis

Back • 5-11, 170

Durham, N.C. • Hillside

• Three-year letterman at Hillside under Ray Harrison

• Area Offensive Player of the Year selection by the Durham Herald-Sun after accounting for over 3,300 total yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior

• In 2008, completed 198-of-275 passes for 2,606 yards with 15 touchdowns against just four interceptions while rushing for 760 yards with nine TDs as Hillside went 12-2-1 and advanced to the state playoff semifinal game

• Earned PAC-6 Offensive Back of the Year honors

• Played in the annual Shrine Bowl, catching two passes for 10 yards

• Helped Hillside to an 11-3 ledger and state playoff third round as a junior by throwing for over 3,000 yards with 29 touchdowns while rushing for 550 yards and seven scores

• For his career, completed 432-of-675 passes for 5,988 yards with 46 touchdowns

• Three-time all-conference and two-time all-area honoree

• Helped Hillside to a three-year record of 33-8-1 with three state playoff berths

• Prep teammate of fellow Duke signee Desmond Scott

• Also lettered in baseball and track and field

• Son of Angela and Timothy Pittman

• Born April 19, 1991

Tyree Glover

Back • 6-2, 240

Crescent City, Fla. • Crescent City

• Three-year letterman at Crescent City under Al Wisnoski

• Listed as the 100th-best outside linebacker in the nation by ESPN.com

• As a senior, registered a school single-season record 154 tackles with 12 tackles for loss, 10 caused fumbles, two sacks and two interceptions

• Putnam County Player of the Year by the Palatka Daily News in 2008

• District 5 Player of the Year pick by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association

• Class 2B first team all-state pick by the Florida Sports Writers Association

• Tabbed to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association District V all-star team and played for the North squad in the FACA All-Star game, recording 11 tackles in the contest

• Two-time first team All-Putnam County selection

• Finished career with 217 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 14 caused fumbles and four interceptions

• Son of Lolether Crooms

• Born March 20, 1991

Zach Greene

Back • 5-10, 170

Raleigh, N.C. • Leesville Road
• Enrolled at Duke in January, 2009

• Three-year letterman at Leesville Road under David Green

• Listed as the 67th-best cornerback in the nation by Scout.com

• Charted as one of the top 25 overall prospects in North Carolina by the Charlotte Observer

• Three-time all-conference selection

• As a senior, posted 45 tackles, two interceptions and a 34.8-yard average on kickoff returns

• Registered 58 tackles and three interceptions during junior season

• Helped Leesville Road to three-year record of 35-7 with three state playoff appearances

• Had 88 career pass receptions for 1,282 yards and 13 TDs

• Returned four career kickoffs for touchdowns

• Served as team captain as a senior

• Also lettered in track and field, earning all-conference honors as a junior

• Son of Dwayne and Kim Greene

• Father played football at N.C. State, lettering four years (1980; 82-84) and recording 73 tackles and three interceptions as a junior and 68 tackles and two interceptions in senior season

• Born May 28, 1990

Kyle Griswould

Back • 5-10, 180

Midland, Ga. • Shaw

• Three-year letterman at Shaw under Scott Newman

• Rushed 237 times for 1,534 yards and 11 touchdowns while catching 25 passes for 326 yards and two scores during senior season

• Rushed for over 100 yards in 10 games including a career-high 270 yards on 29 attempts versus Peach County in the second round of the state playoffs

• Named to the Georgia 150 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

• Honorable mention AAA all-state pick by the Associated Press and Georgia Sports Writers Association

• Rushed six times for 24 yards to help the South team to a 17-0 win in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Classic

• Two-time All-Bi-City honoree

• In junior season, had 1,319 yards on the ground and 466 yards through the air while accounting for 17 total touchdowns

• Picked up 718 rushing yards and 426 receiving yards as a sophomore as Shaw went 14-1 and reached the state championship game

• Rushed for over 3,500 career yards with over 1,200 receiving yards

• Helped Shaw to a three-year ledger of 30-9 with three state playoff berths

• Also lettered in basketball and track and field, earning a region title in the triple jump

• Son of Cleo and Gordon Griswould

• Born January 28, 1991

Ryan Hall

Line • 6-3, 235

Orlando, Fla. • Olympia
• Enrolled at Duke in January, 2009

• Three-year letterman at Olympia under Bob Head

• Charted as the 37th-best tight end in the nation by Rivals.com

• Listed as the 46th-top tight end in the country by Scout.com

• Had 22 catches for 236 yards and two TDs as a senior

• Tabbed 6A third team all-state by the Florida Sports Writers Association

• Named to the All-Central Florida first team by the Orlando Sentinel

• Helped Olympia to 16 wins over final two seasons

• Two-time recipient of Olympia’s Outstanding Offensive Player honor

• Also lettered in baseball

• Son of Laura and Jeff Hall

• Born March 22, 1991

Dave Harding

Line • 6-4, 290

Orlando, Fla. • Boone

• Three-year letterman at Boone under Phil Ziglar

• Participated in the annual Under Armour All-American Game on January 4, 2009 in Orlando, Fla.

• Listed as the 33rd-best offensive guard in the nation by Rivals.com

• Tabbed the 44th-top offensive tackle in the country by Scout.com

• Serving as team captain, helped Boone to an 11-3 record and appearance in the state playoff semifinals in senior season

• Named 6A first team all-state by the Florida Sports Writers Association

• All-Dixie Region pick by SuperPrep

• Named to the All-Central Florida first team by the Orlando Sentinel

• Also earned all-conference and all-county honors and played in the Florida East-West all-star game

• First team all-metro pick as a junior as Boone went 14-1 and reached the state title game

• Helped Boone to a three-year ledger of 34-9

• Also lettered in track and field

• Son of David and Merrie Harding

• Father played soccer at N.C. State

• Mother earned a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Duke in 1987

• Born January 1, 1991

Garett Patterson

Back • 6-0, 180

Chesterfield, Va. • Monacan

• Three-year letterman at Monacan under Danny Parsons

• Listed as the 82nd-best safety in the nation by ESPN.com

• First team all-state choice by the Associated Press as a senior

• Also earned first team all-district and all-region honors from the Richmond Times-Dispatch

• As a senior, posted 81 tackles and two interceptions

• Had 90 tackles and two interceptions as a junior to earn first team all-district honors

• Carded 65 tackles and two interceptions during sophomore season

• Son of Yvette and Martin Patterson

• Born December 28, 1989

Brandon Putnam

Line • 6-3, 240

Peachtree City, Ga. • Sandy Creek

• Four-year letterman at Sandy Creek under Chip Walker

• Listed as the 58th-best weakside defensive end in the country by Rivals.com

• Named to the Georgia 150 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

• As a senior, posted 54 tackles with seven tackles for loss, two sacks and four fumble recoveries as Sandy Creek went 11-1 and reached the state playoffs

• First team all-county and all-region pick following senior season

• Named first team all-county as a junior after compiling 57 tackles, nine tackles for loss and five sacks

• Helped Sandy Creek to a four-year ledger of 32-14 with four playoff berths

• Also lettered in basketball

• Son of Barney and Leslie Putnam

• Born October 11, 1990

Kevin Rojas

Back • 6-3, 210

Raleigh, N.C. • Wakefield

• Enrolled at Duke in January, 2009

• Three-year letterman at Wakefield under J.D. Dinwiddie

• Listed as the 67th-best weakside linebacker in the nation by Scout.com

• Two-time all-conference selection

• Helped Wakefield to consecutive playoff berths in 2007 and 2008

• Had 550 receiving yards and four touchdowns in senior season

• As a junior, posted 73 tackles with two interceptions

• Also lettered in track and field

• Son of Augie and Rose Rojas

• Born July 24, 1991

Sydney Sarmiento

Line • 6-4, 265

Florence, S.C. • West Florence
• Enrolled at Duke in January, 2009

• Four-year letterman at West Florence under Trey Woodberry

• Charted as the 71st-best defensive end in the nation by ESPN.com

• Earned all-region honors as a senior after posting 70 tackles with 10 quarterback sacks as West Florence went 7-5

• All-Mid Atlantic Region pick by SuperPrep

• Helped the South squad to a 24-14 win in the annual South Carolina North-South All-Star game on December 13, 2008 in Myrtle Beach

• Had 62 tackles with nine sacks as a junior

• High school teammate of fellow Duke signee John Coleman

• Son of Ramon and Tenya Sarminto

• Born April 5, 1991

Sean Schroeder

Quarterback • 6-3, 185

Laguna Niguel, Calif. • Dana Hills

• Three-year letterman at Dana Hills under Brent Melbon

• Listed as the 29th-best quarterback in the nation by ESPN.com

• Charted as the 39th-best quarterback in the country by Scout.com

• Listed as the 42nd-best pro-style quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com

• Three-time All-South Coast League selection

• As a senior, completed 175-of-267 (.655) passes for 2,826 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions

• Top games in 2008 came against El Modena (14-of-20, 390 yards & 5 TD) and Capistrano Valley (17-of-24, 322 yards & 6 TD)

• All-Far West Region pick by SuperPrep

• In junior season, earned all-league honors after leading Orange County in completion percentage after hitting on 126-of-189 (.667) passes

• Completed 142-of-225 (.631) passes for 1,523 yards and 11 TDs in 2006

• Two-year team captain

• Established all game, season and career passing records at Dana Hills

• Son of Maureen and Scott Schroeder

• Sister, Samantha, played softball at Elon University

• Born November 9, 1990

Desmond Scott

Back • 5-10, 185

Durham, N.C. • Hillside

• Four-year letterman at Hillside under Ray Harrison

• Charted as the top running back in North Carolina and the 23rd-best running back in the country by ESPN.com

• Listed as the 134th-best overall prospect and fifth-top all-purpose back in the nation by Rivals.com

• Also charted as the fifth-top overall prospect in North Carolina by Rivals.com

• Tabbed the 30th-best running back in the nation by Scout.com

• As a senior, rushed 256 times for 2,249 yards and 24 touchdowns while catching 30 passes for 532 yards and five touchdowns

• Added four kickoff returns for touchdowns as Hillside went 12-2-1 and reached the state playoff semifinals

• All-America pick by SuperPrep

• Tabbed to the Super Southern 100 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

• All-Southern choice by the Orlando Sentinel

• Named 4A All-State by NCPreps.com

• All-Area selection by the Durham Herald-Sun

• Recorded 905 rushing yards and eight touchdowns along with 35 pass receptions for 625 yards and two scores as a junior

• Posted 1,265 rushing yards and 252 receiving yards with 17 total touchdowns during sophomore campaign

• Career prep totals were 568 rushing attempts for 4,690 yards and 63 touchdowns and 100 pass receptions for 1,630 yards and 11 TDs

• Helped Hillside to a four-year record of 44-9-1 and four state playoff berths

• Also lettered in track and field

• Prep teammate of fellow Duke signee Corey Gattis

• Son of Lisa and Tony Scott

• Born November 12, 1990

Perry Simmons

Line • 6-5, 260

Raleigh, N.C. • Sanderson

• Four-year letterman at Sanderson under Jason Tindal

• Named 4A All-State by NCPreps.com following senior season

• Selected to play in the 72nd annual Shrine Bowl

• Named a 2008-09 Carolina Panthers Community Captain for excellence in athletics, academics and community service

• Four-time all-conference honoree

• Helped Sanderson to state playoff berths in each of his final two seasons

• Also lettered in basketball and track and field

• Son of Renee and Brette Simmons

• Father lettered four years on the gridiron at Furman (1975-78) and was a two-time (1977-78) All-Southern Conference tight end who finished with 82 career receptions for 1,197 yards and nine touchdowns while captaining the Paladins to the 1978 league championship

...

Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

National Recruiting Focus – Hippoyle Tsafack

February 4, 2009 Mark Watson

Hippolyle Tsafack? That's what was in my mind's eye as I watched this young man dominate the paint in his Miller School team's easy win. Tsafack (6-8) went 9 of

Hippolyte Tsafack won the POG plaque - photo copyright BDNP

11 from the field to score 18 points on dunks and put backs. He also swept up a game high 11 rebounds, yet had no blocked shots.

Those are pretty impressive numbers, especially when you consider he plays alongside Mychal Parker and Marshawn Powell, two of the top prospects in the class of 2009.

Tsafack said he was 18 years old and English was obviously a fairly new language for him. He has been in the country for less than two years and is originally from Cameroon. You can be sure that you'll be hearing more on this unsigned newcomer with the chiseled body as the year progresses.

One of the reasons he may not have made an earlier impact is that he hurt his knee over the summer. "I have been working hard and just try to do my best," said Tsafack.

When asked if he was being recruited, he responded- "Yes, Virginia Tech, Maryland, VCU, Kansas, Notre Dame and Clemson, I don't know anybody else."

He said he liked to watch Kevin Garnett and the NBA and that he also loved college basketball. I've watched Notre Dame, North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest.

Tsafack is new to the game haven played just two years in Cameroon. "My mom said to play basketball, because my family is poor. Once I've started playing I've never stopped," said Tsafack.

His coach in Camaroon sent him to Miller School and he hasn't seen his family in two years. He got his start at a basketball camp in Camaroon and has been playing ever since.

It's obvious that Tsafack hopes basketball is the answer to his families problems and after this past weekend's MVP performance, don't be surprised if other schools make an effort to get involved with his recruitment.

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Andre Dawkins talks of showing off his athleticism and more

February 3, 2009 Mark Watson

Blue Devil Nation Premium caught up with Andre Dawkins this past weekend and as always he had a lot of interesting comments. He talked of which other 2010 prospects he'd like to play with. Then there was a resounding dunk where he turned and gazed with a "did you see that" look at Duke Assistant Coach Nate James. There is much more -

It's good to see you play again. After watching your team (Atlantic Shores) play, I now understand what you were trying to tell me.

That being you have to play big or the 3 or 4 position at times due to a lack of height.

Yeah. We basically play four out and one in with our perimeter guys.

So, you got to play in front of Nate James. You threw that one tomahawk dunk down and then turned to Nate with a scowl on your face as if to say, did you see that? The crowd liked it and one of the refs even smiled at James.

(Laughing) Yeah, it [private] was just a big play for us and I knew Nate was there so I decided to give him a little

So, it was just like emotion?

Yeah, yeah (smiling)

Man, you've got a mean scratch on your face. Is that from your girlfriend (kidding) or from the game?

(laughing) Naw, naw, it was in the game (continued to laughing while shaking his head), it was in the game. Things like that happen.

So, now your girlfriend has got to see it ...

(laughing) Uh ..

Oh! We don't want to go there?

Naw. We don't need to go there (still smiling)

Whats your teams record right now?

20 and 1 I think.

And how many regular season games do you have left?

Six or seven - something like that.

Will you be playing for Boo Williams again on the AAU circuit?

Yeah, I will play for Boo.

So, you've made that decision.

Yeah, I think McAdoo will be up with us and Travis (McKie) will move up.

You're good friends with Kendall Marshall who will also play with you for Boo. Are things getting a little more tense with him going to UNC now that it's getting closer?

Ummm. I think we'll still be close.

Well, it's like Ty Lawson and Nolan Smith, they played together and are still good friends. Describe how your season has gone so far ...

I think I started off a little slow but I'm starting to pick it up. The team is a lot better than we were at the beginning. You want to peak at the right time and do so the last few games of the season.

Some of your outside shots were not falling like they usually do tonight, but you are obviously athletic and you used that hitting the boards for 9 rebounds and 4 blocks to go with your 15 points.

Yeah. This summer my role was a shooter, but on my high school it's different and more than just a shooter. So in the summer I couldn't always show my athleticism as much but in high school I can, especially when my shot is not falling. That's when you have to lean on other aspects of your game.

Last season you played on a loaded Boo Williams team and was the sixh man. Has Boo discussed how he'll use you? Do you think you'll be the go to man this year?

Not the go to man. We'll have a balanced team and my role will increase. You always want to be a part of the offense, but last year you just had to deal with your role. (All five Boo starters are going to major schools and Andre was playing with the older guys)

Is it pretty cool to come up here and see Josh and all the guys?

It's definitely cool to come and support your future teammates and things like that.

You've been quite the recruiter since signing. Is that still the case? Do you get to talk to other guys Duke is recruiting?

Yeah, I actually talked to Harrison (Barnes) a week or so ago to see how he was doing. The coaches want me to do things like that. So, I am trying to do that to get the best guys we can possibly get.

Does that come easy for you? Do you feel you have a knack for that?

Yeah I think so. I think I'm an outgoing person. I meet people and just hit it off like that and I don;t know, I just feel like that's what I am supposed to do.

I can see a little bit of a clown under that seriousness. You like to have a good time?

Definitely. I think that's what makes it easier to talk to guys about different things. It's easy to communicate when somebody is not up tight.

Do you think about kids you want to come in with the class with Thornton and Hairston?

Yeah sometimes. I know we want Harrison and right now he's probably the top guy. Him and Josh Smith.

Okay! Good luck to you the rest of the way and I'll see you this summer on the AAU circuit.

Okay, thanks. [/private]

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Josh Hairston talks of his season, Duke, future teammates and much more

February 2, 2009 Mark Watson

Josh Hairston is always fun to talk to and this interview was no different. His answers are always upbeat and you can count on a professional demeanor beyond his years. Hairston score 25 points to go with 12 rebounds during his teams second loss of the season during Slamfest VIII which was held in Richmond,

Josh Hairston, Duke Class of 2010 - copyright photo BDNP

Virginia this past Saturday. Courtland played to home standing Benedictiine High School and as always, there were hecklers galore trying to get under the skin of the future Blue Devil. Members are sure to enjoy the following interview which is the first of many Blue Devil Nation Premium will run this week. The best time to join is right now to get some of the best coverage you can find on recruiting and more.

So are you happy to be at this tournament here in Richmond? Your family has come down, you've got your man Dre (Andre Dawkins) here, the Thorntons have come down to see you ...

I am! I'm very excited. I love playing in front of crowds. We've got to come out strong and play the best basketball we can play. Hopefully if we do that, we'll come out of here with a win.

Is this a game where you almost feel like you have to put the team on your back? That's a pretty good team you are going up against.

Yes it is. I'm going to do whatever my team needs for me to do. If that's putting them on my back and carrying the load, I'll do that. Big time players step up in big time moments, so I am really looking forward to it.

You have Nate James sitting in the crowd over there. What is it like to have one of your future coahes in the house? Is it always cool to see them?

It's [private] always cool. It shows that he's very supportive. He's been to one of my games earlier this season. So having him here actually relaxes me and calms me down. I know that after the game positive or negative, he's going to let me know how he feels and I can just work from there.

Tell me a little bit about your season so far. Your team has lost one game I think?

15-1, our fist loss came last Saturday to a very good team out of Virginia Beach. It was really the first time a lot of our guys have played in a big time environment. So there was a lot of noise and nervousness going around. We all learned from that and had some good practices and had a great game last night.

You played last night?

We played and ended up winning by thirty or forty points.

Do you know what your numbers were?

I know I had 20 points and 12 rebounds.

What are you averaging this season?

24 points and 11 rebounds

Your parents are here, so that's obviously cool. They're big supporters, right?

Right! I don' t think there is a place they haven't been even this summer. They've made a lot of sacrifices, even my little sister. So, I'm always appreciative there.

In the earlier game, Andre flushed one down (dunk) and kinda gave Nate the stare down and expression of did you see that. (snickering) Did he tell you about that?

He did. (laughing) We're playing for points right now. He's in the lead for now. He said if I don't do it, I'm going to have to owe him something. I'm going to try and do what I can.

Are you brazen enough to do that -- scowl at Nate for show?

I don't know if I'm going to do it to Coach Nate, but I'm going to do it to Andre if I see him. (smiling)

When is the last time you talked to the coaches?

I actually called Wojo this morning but didn't talk to him. I know that my Mother talked to him yesterday, cause we're going down to the Virginia game tomorrow. I talked to Coach K , I think a couple of weeks ago. I try to stay in contact with them as much as I can.

Anybody else going down that you know of?

Uh, no ... Tyler (Thornton) has practice tomorrow and Andre still doesn;t know if he's going or not.

Are there any other games on the calendar you have circled? I know the Carolina game is on a Wednesday night which is a school night at 9:00 ...

I think we are going to go to that one. My parents said that if my grades turned out good we could go down there. So, I think we are going to go down there if everything goes the ways it's suppose to go.

Now (jokingly) have you got your Dad in the right place? I think he may be about 89.7% Duke now, but I know he's got a little heart left for UNC (grew up pulling for them).

Yes he does, but he's at the point now to where if we find anything Duke that fits him, he wears it, so ... At the Wake Forest game the other night he was heartbroken. Me and him were looking at the TV and could not believe it ... (shaking his head)

Duke came back and had a chance to steal that one ...

Yeah. I think he is 98% now. (smiling)

98%? (smiling) Only 2 to go ... now your Mom how does she feel about that?

Aw man! She loves it. If she is not wearing something that says Courtland on it, she always has on Duke stuff. I think she eats it up the most out of anybody. Anything Duke she finds ... I think she bought me four Duke pens to write with in school, I've got sticker for my car and everything.

The last time we talked you said that people at school were like - whoa Duke, he's going to Duke. Is it still like that?

It is. My classmates know about it and they've kind of calmed down a bit, but when we go to other schools, a lot of people are coming to see me and see if I'm worth it. The hecklers have gotten worse at the games, but I tell myself not to pay any attention to it. I just try to let my game speak for itself. They may be talking the first half, but they'll be quiet by the second.

Your Dad's a pretty brawny and tough looking guy ... does he ever get a little bit upset?

Yeah he is. We were playing down in Orange County last month and there was a guy down there ... we were beating the team by forty some points and he was still yakking. That's the closest my Dad ever wanted to say something, but he didn't. That guy has a right to feel as he does in his mind. My Dad said he payed his 5.00 to come see us play and he can say whatever he wants. So, I felt the same way. I don't let that stuff get to me. I use to! I use to jaw back a little at people in the stands but it's a maturity thing and I don't really pay attention to it anymore.

So, what else is going on in your life? (smiling) Do you have a girlfriend yet?

(laughing) Naw, I'm still playing it cool. I think I'm going to wait until I get down to Duke.

There you go, you'll find plenty of prospects in the Triangle. So is there anything else going on that I may have missed?

I was announced to the Adidas Nation team. So, that's the only other big thing going on.

And when is that?

I'm not sure. My Mother and the coach have been in close contact and he said he'd let us know when we started practicing and stuff. Other than that, out season has been going great. We started 14-0 which was a school record. I think I told you earlier, we've been together for three years and it's a maturity thing. We were young and we still made a run, but now that we are older, I think this is going to be our year.

I appreciate your time and good luck tonight and the rest of the season.

Thanks a lot. [/private]