Category Archives: Duke Football

Duke Football

Matt Skura talks of his official visit to Duke

L to R: Marcus Aprahamian, Cody Robinson, Coach Matt Luke, Matt Skura, Carson Ginn

Head Coach David Cutcliffe and the Blue Devils hosted a bevy of prospects for official visits this past weekend on a snowy Duke campus. Among them were four of Coach Matt Luke’s impressive offensive line prospects, including Ohio native Matt Skura. Skura is a 6’3” 265 pound offensive lineman from Columbus, who committed to the Blue Devils back in June and will compete for playing time at center in 2011.

Blue Devil Nation caught up with Matt shortly after his visit to Durham.

BDN: Can you recap your visit last weekend and describe how that went?
It was definitely a lot of fun, getting to meet all of the coaches. It was good to actually meet all of the coaches, because I’ve been mostly seeing Coach Luke. A really important thing for me during the visit was that my entire family was comfortable down there. For my mom, it was the first time that she went and she liked it a lot - that made me feel a lot more comfortable. For me, being able to go on campus with some of the other football players and seeing what the college life was, also helped me become more comfortable. I just had a great time; it was an amazing experience getting to be with all of the prospects and meeting new people, seeing all the great facilities.

BDN: Who was your host when you were there?
Conor Irwin was my host and he showed me around. I got to hang out with some of the other offensive linemen while we were there, so I got to meet a couple new people.

BDN: In speaking with some of the other offensive line commits, they’ve mentioned how you guys have stayed in touch throughout the year. How did that happen and what was it like getting to spend the weekend with them?
First I met Lucas Patrick and Cody Robinson last year at the summer camp. From there, Lucas, Cody, and I kept in touch through Facebook or just texting each other. Lucas wasn’t at the official visit this weekend when I was there, but when the other linemen spent time together we really bonded and will stay in touch, which I think is really a key. We all really get along, which to be honest, I was a little bit nervous about, because I didn’t know Marcus or Carson as well before the official visit. Getting to know them and getting to know Cody a lot more has made me more comfortable and I think in the future it will help us as well.

BDN: How much were you able to follow Duke’s season and what were your impressions?
I know they didn’t have the season they wanted, but I did get to follow their season quite a bit on the computer on espn3. They had a lot of close games, definitely ones that they should have won. I don’t think their record reflects how good a team they actually are. I think especially next year and the years to come, Coach Cutcliffe and Matt Luke have done a really good job in recruiting better athletes and building the program to one of the best in the nation. I’m really impressed with where the program is going and I’m confident that Duke is going to be a very good team.

BDN: Where do you and the coaches see you fitting in with the direction the program is headed?
Talking to Coach Luke about it, he said that I’ll be competing with Conor Irwin to get the starting center position, so that’s definitely keeping me motivate in the offseason to get bigger and stronger. Hopefully, I’ll be competing for the starting center position and go from there.

BDN: I know you guys didn’t have the year you were hoping to, but can you recap how your senior season went?
I think one of the things that went wrong in our season was key injuries. In our first game, we lost a starting linebacker and in our second game we lost a starting offensive lineman. In the first two weeks we had two key losses and that kind of got our morale down, both on and off the field. Then later in the season we lost our starting running back, so we kind of had to play with what we had. Overall, I think I had a good season. I played both on offensive and defensive, playing defensive tackle and defensive end and then guard and center on offense. I just tried to focus on what I had to do on every play and not try to play outside my role.

BDN: Thanks so much, Matt. When can Duke fans look forward to seeing you on the field?
Yes sir. I’ll be enrolling second semester of the summer, so I think on July 5 or July 6.

Bookmark Blue Devil Nation as your source for Duke football recruiting updates all off-season.

Duke Basketball, Duke Football

BDN Monday Musings-Kyrie, Milestones, Motivation, Recruiting and the Cheerleader of the Week

BDN salutes another member of the team behind the team - Photo Rick Crank for BDN

It's time for this week's Monday Musings piece where we think  out loud and  ponder the happenings around Duke Athletics.  This week we talk Kyrie Irving, the December schedule, and recruiting on the Duke Basketball front, Cutcliffe being on the road, a big game for the women's hoops team and we bring you the Duke Cheerleader of the Week.

Will maintaining motivation be a problem for Duke?

Duke just finished a stretch of games that included wins over Marquette, Kansas State, Oregon, Michigan State and Butler leaving us  to question if the Blue Devils can keep up their intensity during the easiest stretch of the season.  In December, players are hard at work in school and on the verge of the Holidays where many will go home for  few days.  It is not unusual for focus to drift but the thinking here is that Duke has too many players wanting to show their stuff and that should prevent too many let downs.  Duke will take on Bradley and St. Louis this week followed by a nine day break before another home contest with Elon and the team will then take another nine day break before travelling just down the road to face UNC-Greensboro.  Face it, Duke will win all of those contests easily and that will push their record to 12-0.  The reason for my confidence is as mentioned that players on the bench will want to show their stuff.  Duke will see to it that certain players get untracked and Krzyzewski's challenge will be to see his team improve before they enter ACC play in that 13 of their next 14 games will be against conference foes.

Kyrie Irving was never a secret but ...

If the ACC media was to vote today for Rookie of the Year, do you think UNC's Harrison Barnes would still outdistance Irving by a 46-9 vote?  I saw the Irving train coming after following the New Jersey native on the AAU trail seeing him play a good 20 or so times.  The youngster is capable of taking over games and he showed that in a game against Michigan State and bounced back with another 20 plus scoring effort versus Butler on Saturday.  What you have yet to see is when he starts dishing dimes [assists]  like they were going out of style and a few double-doubles are ahead.  Irving is as advertised and I can happily say that comes as no surprise to me.  And this just in -- Kyrie just won his third ACC Rookie of the Week honor of the young season.

 
 
 

Cook and Rivers are waiting their turn. BDN Photo

The Duke staff will remain busy during the Holiday's

There are some on the staff who stay up until just before dawn breaks watching film on the opposition.  I know this after being in close proximity of the situation for most of my life.  I also know that they'll be out in force during several December high school basketball tournaments one of which is the State Farm City of Palms event in Fort Meyers, Florida.  Check out this cast of characters which as BDN Premium members know that a lot of Duke's key targets are on hand.   The Class of 2010 No. 1 includes, Michael Gilchrist, St. Patrick; No. 2 Austin Rivers, Winter Park; No. 3 Adonis Thomas, Melrose; No. 8 James McAdoo, Norfolk Christian; No. 23 Shannon Scott, Milton; No. 27 Julian Royal, Milton; No. 58 Dai-Jon Parker, Milton; No. 75 Marshall Plumlee, Christ School; No. 87 . While the Class of 2012 adds No. 4 Shabazz Muhammad, Bishop Gorman; No. 5 Ricardo Gathers, Riverside Academy; No. 38 Xavier Johnson, Mater Dei; No. 45 Omar Calhoun, Christ the King; No. 47 Evan Nolte, Milton; No. 71 Rosco Allen, Bishop Gorman.  You can discuss the various tournaments and find out more on recruiting information with BDN Premium members by joining and supporting Blue Devil Nation.

Football coaches on the recruiting trail as well

Duke Football is making its list and checking it twice in December but the recruiting efforts started in November where the staff was out the Monday following the last game.  Duke Coach David Cutliffe will have his  own players for the first time next season and he is looking to make some  key offers in the foreseeable future.  BDN will keep you up to date on the latest on the football front..

The Duke Women face Texas A & M on Wednesday

The Duke Women are flying a bit under the radar now and that's a shame for they deserve more coverage on the Duke front.  Duke faces an early season test when they take on Texas A & M tonight in Cameron Indoor Stadium this Monday evening.

And speaking of under the radar

Duke handed out yet another commemorative to fans with Coach K's 800th win being saluted during the Michigan State game.  His milestones are so many that it barely gives Duke fans a chance to catch their breath and reflect  on his success as he continues to move towards being the winningest collegiate coach of all time.

Click here and follow Blue Devil Nation on Twitter for the best Duke coverage avialable.  And be sure to check out Andrew Slaters interview with Kyrie Irving.

Duke Football

Snyderwine named 1st team All America, Helfet, Kromah and Vernon earn honers

DURHAM, N.C. – Four Blue Devils – Cooper Helfet, Abraham Kromah, Will Snyderwine and Conner Vernon – received All-ACC honors as the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association announced the 2010 football all-conference teams on Monday.
 
Snyderwine and Vernon were second team selections while Helfet and Kromah received honorable mention recognition.
 
Snyderwine, a 5-11, 190-pound redshirt junior kicker from Potomac, Md., made 21-of-24 field goals and all 32 of his PAT attempts for 95 total points in 2010.  He set school single-season records for field goals, consecutive field goals made (18) and field goal percentage (.875) while posting the second-highest single-season point total behind Clarkston Hines’ 104-point campaign in 1989.  His 52-yard field goal against Georgia Tech matched the ninth-longest successful kick in school history.  In the ACC, Snyderwine ranks first in field goals per game (1.75), tied for first in PAT percentage (1.000), sixth in points per game (7.9) and fourth in field goal percentage (.875).  Nationally, he ranks sixth in field goals per game.
 
Vernon, a 6-2, 195-pound sophomore wide receiver from Miami, Fla., currently leads the ACC in pass receptions (73), receptions per game (6.08) and 100-yard receiving games (4) while standing third in the league in both receiving yards (973) and receiving yards per game (81.1).  His 73 receptions fell one catch shy of the school’s 40-year old single-season record of 74 set by Wes Chesson in 1970.
 
Helfet, a 6-4, 240-pound junior tight end from Kentfield, Calif., caught 34 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns this past season.  Over the final five weeks of the year, he had 28 receptions for 339 yards and twice was the recipient of the ACC’s Player of the Week accolade for offensive linemen.
 
Kromah, a 6-1, 225-pound redshirt senior linebacker from Staten Island, N.Y., ranks second in the ACC with a team-best 129 tackles in 2010.  He also led the Blue Devils with 9.5 tackles for loss while reaching double figures in the tackle column eight times including a career-best 20-stop performance in the season finale versus North Carolina.

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DURHAM, N.C. – Duke redshirt junior kicker Will Snyderwine has earned first team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the organization announced on Monday.
 
Snyderwine, a native of Potomac, Md., becomes the 17th player in Duke football history and the first since 1989 to receive first team All-America recognition.
 
In 2010, Snyderwine made 21-of-24 field goals and all 32 of his PAT attempts for 95 total points.  He set school single-season records for field goals, consecutive field goals made (18) and field goal percentage (.875) while posting the second-highest single-season point total behind Clarkston Hines’ 104-point campaign in 1989.  His 52-yard field goal against Georgia Tech matched the ninth-longest successful kick in school history.
 
In the ACC, Snyderwine ranks first in field goals per game (1.75), tied for first in PAT percentage (1.000), sixth in points per game (7.9) and fourth in field goal percentage (.875).  Nationally, he ranks sixth in field goals per game.
 
For his career, Snyderwine has made 38-of-44 field goals and all 56 of his PAT attempts for 170 points.  On Duke’s career lists, he ranks first in PAT percentage (1.000), first in field goal percentage (.864), second in field goals, tied for third in field goals of 50+ yards (2), sixth in total points, eighth in field goal attempts, tied for ninth in PAT attempts and 10th in PATs.
 
Snyderwine is joined on the 2010 AFCA All-America team by Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State), Alshon Jeffry (WR, South Carolina), Lance Kendricks (TE, Wisconsin), Lee Ziemba (OL, Auburn), Rodney Hudson (OL, Florida State), Stefen Wisniewski (OL, Penn State), Gabe Carimi (OL, Wisconsin), Chase Beeler (C, Stanford), Cam Newton (QB, Auburn), Kendall Hunter (RB, Oklahoma State), LaMichael James (RB, Oregon), Da’Quan Bowers (DL, Clemson), Adrian Clayborn (DL, Iowa), Jabaal Sheard (DL, Pittsburgh), Ryan Kerrigan (DL, Purdue), Luke Kuechly (LB, Boston College), Greg Jones (LB, Michigan State), Tank Carder (LB, TCU), Reggie Rembert (DB, Air Force), Patrick Peterson (DB, LSU), Prince Amukamara (DB, Nebraska), Quinton Carter (DB, Oklahoma), Kyle Martens (P, Rice) and Owen Marecic (KR, Stanford).
 
The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945.
 
Other first team All-America honorees in Duke football history include Fred Crawford (1933), Ace Parker (1936), Dan Hill (1938), Eric Tipton (1938), George McAfee (1939), Steve Lach (1941), Bob Gantt (1942-43), Bill Milner (1943), Pat Preston (1943), Al DeRogatis (1948), Billy Cox (1950), Blaine Earon (1950), Red Smith (1951), Ed Meadows (1952-53), Bob Pascal (1955), Roy Hord (1957), Tom Topping (1957), Mike McGee (1959), Tee Moorman (1960), Jean Berry (1962), Jay Wilkinson (1963), Bob Matheson (1966), Ernie Jackson (1971), Billy Bryan (1976), Clarkston Hines (1988-89) and Chris Port (1989).

Duke Basketball, Duke Football

Monday Musings – Duke Basketball and Football, Coach K and the Cheerleader of the Week

Monday Musings continues it's tradition of presenting the Cheerleader of the Week - BDN Photo, Rick Crank

The Duke Blue Devils football team closed out the season with a 24-19 loss to North Carolina while the men's basketball team headed to Singler-ville bringing home a win over Oregon this past week.  This week the football staff starts concentrating on recruiting while the men's team prepares for Michigan State in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge and we discuss all of this and more in our latest Monday Musings offering.

Good homecoming for Kyle Singler

Duke took care of business in Portland after spending time with Team Singler, aka, his family.   Singler dropped 30 points, his career high in the win over Oregon but the feeling here is that he will break that tally again.  Unless you've been sleeping under a rock you know that Singlers family is very athletic and competitive and Kyle who grew up watching film on Celtic great Larry Bird could be at the top of the list. 

Another test awaits the Blue Devils

Okay, it's no secret that this years edition of the Duke Men's Basketball team is loaded with talent and each game is a lesson for the long season to come.  On Wednesday evening Michigan State the consensus pre season #2 rated team comes into Cameron in a game that will have the place rocking.  The fact that the Spartan's dropped an early season game will only make them tougher and they're getting healthy after some nagging injuries.  Duke will face a team deep enough to challenge their depth and present some pressure on the defensive end.  The bottom line is that Michigan State is the best team Duke will have played to date andwill be one of the best teams they play all season long.  Many feel the two will eventually run into each other for a second time come March Madness.

As I said, it's a long season ahead

The media will continue to build Duke up after every win eventually claiming them to be unbeatable should they continue their winning ways.  I feel Duke is the nations best team in November but the season has four solid months to go and lots of things can happen along the way.  We are also hearing  chirping of the team going undefeated and all I can say to that is temper your expectations for it will not happen.  Still, Duke should develop along the way and it is frightening to think of what they'll look like come seasons end should their chemistry be intact.

Meanwhile Coach K keeps knocking down wins

Count from one to eight hundred and one and tell me how ridiculous that is when you think each number that rolls off your tongue is a victory for Mike Krzyzewski.  We'll drop you a hint that the UNC-Greensboro game could be one for the record books for if all goes as planned that will be the one where a huge milestone is set.  Can you figure out what that milestone will be?  And for what it's worth Coach K is so far ahead of other active coaches in weeks he's spent as the nations top ranked team that it's not even worth mentioning how far Roy Williams is behind him and the Heels coach is in 2nd.

Football season comes to an end

Duke finishes the season at 3-9 but they lost four ACC games by a touchdown or less.  I don't think Cutcliffe and company will worry with that more than getting the team physically stronger.  The goal is to realy hit the weight room hard at certain positions, reevaluate team personnel and acclimate newcomers into a solid group of returning players.  Next season will be the first year Cutcliffe has all of his players on the roster for the first time.

Sean Renfree

After a season of learning, look for Duke quarterback Sean Renfree to come back with a vengeance.  Renfree is the kind of kid that'll work his butt off in the off season and don't look now, but he will be one of the most experienced signal callers in the league as other schools break in new players at his position.

Let's take a peek at next seasons schedule

It's never to early to look towards next season, so here is the 2011 football schedule - Duke will play Richmond, Tulane, Stanford, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest at home and will visit Florida International, Boston College, Miami, Virginia and North Carolina on the road.  Duke will liklely be favored to win five of those games in the pre season, so a six win season of bowl eligibility could come to fruition.
 
 
Talk about rebuilding
 
My girls, the Duke Cheerleaders, will lose seven senior members after this season!  That has to be a record.  Anyhow, congrats to them and thanks for cheering your last football game at Duke on Saturday. 
 
 
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Duke Football

Game Recap – Duke falls short to UNC 24-19

So close, yet so far! Duke failed to get a sack on T.J. Yates on this play and he found a reciever for one of their many third down conversions. Duke lost 4 ACC games by 7 points or less this season. Lance King Images

Despite being out gained 519 to 263 yards, the Duke Blue Devils found a way to claw their way back into the game thanks to a Charlie Hatcher safety.  Duke would later score a touchdown on a 6 play 45 yard drive and Brandon Connette's legs to make the score 24-19.  But the games bugaboo, stopping the Tar Heels on 3rd down plays wrecked hopes of getting the ball back and North Carolina ran out the play clock for the win.  You'll see plenty of game stories, so we'll recap the reasons Duke lost.

3rd Down Possessions

Time and time again, Duke failed to stop UNC on 3rd down as the Tar Heels converted 11 of 17 of them.  You simply cannot win with these numbers.  Also tied in here is the fact that Duke allowed too many gains on first down.  After Duke pinned the Heels at their 9 yard line, the Duke defense let up 7 yards on a slant play and a two first downs later, Duke's hope of a comeback win were dashed.

Time of Possession

This is also tied in with the defenses inability to hold steady on 3rd downs.  But it was Duke's offense that was to blame as well for they could not keep drives going and went just 4 for 13 on 3rd down plays.  The final tally was UNC held the ball for 39:33 to 20:27.

No excuses from Cutcliffe

Coach David Cutcliffe was frustrated by his teams play and said that some of them talked the talk but didn't back it up.  He was especially perturbed by the big plays UNC would make to keep drives alive as was Matt Daniels of the Duke secondary.  You can bet that Duke will get back into their off season workouts as soon as possible and after a few weeks on the recruiting trail, Cut and staff will sit down to make some personnel evaluations.

Austin Kelly closes out his Duke career

Kelly lead all Duke receivers with 7 catches for 67 yards and a touchdown, the first one of the game. 

Duke still unable to run on UNC

Duke gained a mere 12 yards for an .8 average.  Duke will try to get more push from their line through off season conditioning and a run game is a must to balance an offense.  Duke came into the game averaging more yards rushing than UNC and left the game behind them for the year.

Duke loses 19 seniors

Duke has 19 senior on the roster and feel that these players helped lay a foundation for the future.  Of the losses, 111 of the seniors played key roles.

Sean Renfree throws for 3000 yards

Renfree's interception free games streak ended at 173 passes but his completion to Cooper Helfet for 6 yards put him in rare air as he is the fifth player in Duke history to pass that mark in a single season.  His 3,131 yards ranks as 3rd on Duke's all time one season passing list.

 

Duke Football

BDN Salutes Duke Football Seniors

BDN Photo

Today is senior day at Wallace Wade Stadium, where the Blue Devils will recognize 19 players and their families. Blue Devil Nation joins with Duke University and Duke Athletics in thanking this year's senior class for their dedication and hard work to Duke football. These young men have left the Duke football program in a much better place than where they found it.

Flash back four years, to when these players joined the Duke program. This was prior to Coach Cutcliffe's hire, and in the middle of a period when Duke had lost 25 consecutive ACC games. In 2006, the team finished 0-12 overall. There was little reason for optimism around Duke football, but these players embraced the program, and with the hire of Coach Cutcliffe, have changed the culture of Duke football. Over the past four years, the program has won 13 football games, including 5 ACC victories.  

“It's a tribute to our seniors, who have continued to fight,” Coach Cutcliffe said last week. “They've changed the game. Our seniors have been a part of changing an expectation at Duke. We can compete with anybody, regardless of what anybody thinks. And we're ready for that next step, because of this group of young men that have committed themselves to being the best that they can be.” 

As these players run through the tunnel into Wallace Wade Stadium for the final time today, fans should take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication that this group of players have put into Duke football. They have become great young men, and will be great representatives of Duke University and Duke football in all that they do. 

Thank you, seniors! 

#8 Abraham Kromah

Linebacker

Staten Island, NY 

#10 Matt Pridemore

Wide Receiver

Gainesville, GA 

#16 Chris Rwabukamba

Cornerback

Windsor, Ontario 

#22 Brandon King

Tight End

Doylestown, PA 

#39 Adam Banks

Linebacker

Asheville, NC 

#41 Eriks Reks

Linebacker

Wrentham, MA 

#47 Nick Maggio

Kicker

Leawood, KS 

#49 Kevin Jones

Punter

Austin, TX 

#55 Brandon Harper

Offensive Guard

Alpharetta, GA 

#56 Damian Thornton

Linebacker

Lenoir, NC 

#62 Bryan Morgan

Center

Hoover, AL 

#63 Chris Shannon

Offensive Tackle

Andover, MA 

#67 Mitchell Lederman

Offensive Guard

Brodhead, WI 

#83 Austin Kelly

Wide Receiver

Mableton, GA 

#87 Brett Huffman

Tight End

Massillon, OH 

#88 Danny Parker

Tight End

Rockville, MD 

#90 Patrick Egboh

Defensive End

Mesquite, TX 

#99 Wesley Oglesby

Defensive End

Arlington, TX 

Mike Cappetto

Undergraduate Assistant

Troy, MI 

Garrett Utt

Undergraduate Assistant

Atlanta, GA