Photo copyright Alamo Sports Photography
When you’re hot, you’re hot. David Cutcliffe and co. are on a roll on the recruiting trail, securing four verbal commitments over the past 24 hours. With spring practice long over and this fall’s freshmen making their way onto campus, and with camp season now behind us, the Blue Devils have a much clearer picture of their recruiting board, their needs, and the remaining available scholarships. So it comes as no surprise that Duke’s recruiting has heated up.
But the first of the commitments was a bit of a surprise, as Mikey Ramsay, a 6’3″ 260 pounder out of the Walker School in Marietta, GA, signed on. A lightly-recruited prospect, Ramsay has starred on both sides of the ball, but likely projects at defensive tackle in college. He earned 1st team All-Region honors for his strong junior campaign, which included 37 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries. Highlights
Sterling Korona is a big Texan that BDN was first to introduce to Duke fans early this spring. At 6’7″ and 250 pounds, the star offensive tackle from Ronald Reagan HS saw his stock soar this spring, as he picked up offers from Kansas, North Texas, Southern Methodist, UTSA, Washington State, and Tulsa. He called Duke a “special place” after his visit earlier this year, and ultimately made his pledge to Duke after touring campuses nationwide this summer. Highlights
The 2013 offensive line class received another big boost on Monday afternoon, as Gabe Brandner added his pledge to join Austin Davis and Korona in Durham. At 6’6″ and 250 pounds out of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC, Brandner brings more great size to the Duke o-line of the future. He chose the Blue Devils over offers from Appalachian State, Air Force, and Clemson.
Last, but certainly not least, the Blue Devils added a commitment from California ATH Darren Andrews. At 5’10″ and 160 pounds, the rising senior out of La Puente’s Bishop Amat impressed on both sides of the ball at a recent Duke camp. As a Blue Devil, Andrews is likely to get a long look at receiver, where he is able to use his elite speed to separate from defenders. The Blue Devils ultimately beat out Hawaii for his commitment.
Welcome to #dukegang, Mike, Sterling, Gabe, and Darren!
