Lucas Patrick, a 6’4” 287 pound junior offensive guard from Brentwood, Tennessee, became the eighth commitment in the Blue Devils’ class of 2011. The Duke coaching staff received the good news while visiting Lucas at his school on Friday.

In 2009, Brentwood finished second in the Tennessean’s year-end mid-state poll, falling one game short of the state championship. Lucas received the team’s Junior Weight Room Award, anchoring an offensive line that helped senior RB Jeremy Coffey run for a school-record 1596 rushing yards.

On the field, Lucas says, “I like to be physical, come out and hit somebody.” With Brentwood’s option-style offense, Lucas is able to get downfield and make big blocks for the running game. He hopes that he is thought of as someone who “plays smart and is a team player.” For his senior year, Lucas is looking forward to becoming a leader on and off the field. “I want to get the best out of my teammates and be someone who makes them work,” he said. With Lucas leading the offensive line in the option-style attack, Brentwood has their sights set on a state championship in 2010.

Prior to his commitment to Duke, Lucas received interest from Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and Tennessee, and also held offers from Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, Memphis, and Arkansas. This spring, Lucas enjoyed visits to Duke, Cincinnati, and Vanderbilt.

During his visit to Duke, Lucas came away most impressed by the Duke players. “The players did not hesitate to talk with me, they didn’t even wait for a coach to introduce us. They came up and talked to me on the sidelines during practice.”

Lucas said that he definitely intends to attend Duke’s summer camp and has informed other coaches that he is solid in his commitment to the Blue Devils.