While many have pointed to Duke’s rushing attack or the installment of a new quarterback as the key to Duke’s 2010 season, it was the opposite side of the ball that had the head coach’s attention this spring. “I’m concerned about our depth on defense,” Head Coach David Cutcliffe said after the spring game, “I’m concerned about our front, to be real honest with you, coming out of spring practice, but we’re going to be a very multi-front, multi-schematic defensive team.”

In 2009, the defense forced a total of 18 turnovers (T-9th in ACC) and totaled 19 sacks (11th in ACC). Both of these totals were significantly down from Coach Cutcliffe’s inaugural season in Durham in 2008, when the Blue Devils forced 26 turnovers and totaled 27 sacks. In 2009, Duke finished last in the ACC in third down defense, allowing opponents to convert on 45% of third downs. If Duke hopes to reach its first bowl game since 1994 in 2010, the defense will need to improve upon these numbers.

Led by new defensive coordinator Marion Hobby, the staff hopes that a new approach with an emphasis on speed will translate into more big plays and takeaways by the defense. "What we're switching to is 'multicality,” said Coach Cutcliffe at the ACC media day, “We've been so pure 4-3, so we're going to be in a lot of personnel groupings…We had a lot of fun watching it in the spring. It really puts a premium on speed. We're going to put a lot of speed on the field."

It’s no secret that Duke is thin along the defensive front, having lost starters Vince Oghobaase and Ayanga Okpokoworuk to graduation and the dismissal of freshmen John Drew and Brandon Putnam. To compensate, the defensive coaching staff, led by Hobby, Jim Collins, Jim Knowles, and Derek Jones, will employ multiple defensive sets, including a 3-4 scheme, as suggested by the preseason depth chart and Coach Cutcliffe’s comments.

The new defensive schemes will be anchored on the ends up front by redshirt seniors Wes Oglesby and Patrick Egboh, with redshirt junior Charlie Hatcher at nose guard. In their 52 collective starts, this starting line has produced only 7 sacks, 26.5 tackles for loss, and 3 fumble recoveries: numbers they hope to add to in 2010. The Blue Devils will have talented underclassmen behind them on the depth chart in redshirt sophomore Kenny Anunike, who switched to DE from TE this spring; redshirt-sophomore NG Curtis Hazelton; redshirt freshman DE Sydney Sarmiento; and redshirt freshman DE Justin Foxx. It remains to be seen whether any of Duke’s true freshman lineman (Jamal Bruce, Will Bryant, Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo, Steven Ingram, Dezmond Johnson, and Jamal Wallace) are ready to make significant contributions in 2010, and a few have stood out in early practices.

With a lack of experienced depth along the defensive line, the Blue Devils will need help from a deep and talented linebacking corps to bring effective pressure. Duke will feature sets with three linebackers and a new “Devil” position, which will likely contain elements of both linebacker and safety. Heading into fall camp, Duke projects to start three seniors in Damian Thornton, Abraham Kromah, and Adam Banks, who will man the “Devil” position. These three seniors have combined for 20 career starts, 175 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 2 fumble recoveries. The seniors have earned Coach Cutcliffe’s praise early in camp: “Those guys have done a great job…they’re veterans, they care, they’re committed; it all starts with that, and they certainly know what to do.” Redshirt freshmen Kevin Rojas and August Campbell, along with sophomores Austin Gamble and Tyree Glover, are also likely to see significant playing time in 2010. Even without recent standouts Michael Tauilili and Vincent Rey, this may be the most talented collective group of linebackers during the Cutcliffe era. “The good part is, I think we can play two deep [at linebacker],” Cutcliffe recently said. “I’m looking at [Kevin] Rojas, [Austin] Gamble, [Tyree] Glover, and Auggie Campbell – that’s a pretty good group.” Duke has some fast and heavy hitters at linebacker, and they will need to assist the defensive front in bringing pressure against opposing offenses. While Kromah may be the vocal leader on the field, Thornton is a player to watch, as he set offseason Duke linebacker lifting records at bench press (475) and power clean (363), and has impressed in early fall practice.

The Duke secondary should be improved from a year ago, despite the departure of All-ACC performer Leon Wright. Led by redshirt senior Chris Rwabukamba and junior Matt Daniels, Duke will have many potential playmakers at safety and cornerback in 2010. After finishing last in the ACC in 2009 in interceptions and third down defense, the secondary will need to drastically improve its pass coverage, particularly on crucial third down plays. Junior Johnny Williams joins the secondary this year after playing two years at wide receiver, and has earned high praise from Coach Cutcliffe for his transition. “Johnny Williams had a terrific night,” Cutcliffe recently remarked in regard to the second fall practice, “he was the best I’ve seen him to date, and a primary reason is that his conditioning level is the best since he’s been here.” Williams is challenging redshirt freshman Ross Cockrell for the starting job at left cornerback, and will also likely see playing time on special teams and offense. Sophomore Zach Greene, who played in all 12 games in 2009 as a true freshman, and redshirt freshman Lex Butler will back up Rwabukamba at right cornerback. Duke is also deep at safety, where junior Lee Butler and Daniels are expected to start, but will be pushed by redshirt sophomore Jordan Byas, sophomore Walt Canty, and redshirt freshman Anthony Young-Wiseman.

The aggressive approach on defense was especially evident during Duke’s early morning practice on Thursday, as the offense was stopped on all 6 possessions during the 2 minute drills. Key defensive plays during Thursday’s drills included a sack for Thornton, two sacks for freshman Jamal Bruce, fumble recoveries by Canty and Glover, and interceptions by Rwabukamba, Cockrell, and Byas. After practice, Coach Cutcliffe offered this assessment: “I think the thing that happened was the defense got on a roll today and I think our secondary is whipping our receivers pretty consistently. I think our pressure got to our offense today.” Given the strength of Duke’s receiving corps, the dominance by the secondary so far in practice is a positive indicator for the season. Turnovers will continue to be a point of emphasis for the defense as Duke prepares for the season opener against Elon on September 4.

Looking ahead in 2010, the Blue Devils will face two prolific running offenses in Alabama and Virginia Tech, along with four option-style offenses in Wake Forest, Army, Navy, and Georgia Tech. With a thin defensive front, the ability of the linebackers and secondary to make plays in the offensive backfield may determine several wins and losses for the Blue Devils. The defense will also have to do a better job this year of forcing punts and turnovers, providing the offense with a shorter field. If Duke’s new defensive schemes are able to consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, it ultimately may be the defense that carries Duke to a 2010 bowl game.

For the first time during Coach David Cutcliffe’s tenure at Duke, the Blue Devils have built depth at several key positions. To those close to the program, the increased depth has been apparent, raising the level of competition in drills and scrimmages this fall. The increased competition led to highly-contested position battles at several spots on the Blue Devils roster. BDN was on the scene throughout the 2010 training camp and offers a brief breakdown of the roster as the depth chart is finalized.

Offense

Running Back - For Duke to be successful in 2010, they must improve upon their league-worst rushing attack from 2009. Despite the loss of fifth year senior Re’quan Boyette to graduation, the Blue Devils have considerable talent at running back. Coach Cutcliffe recently said, “over time, there’s never enough backs,” but with five players vying for carries, hopefully Duke will have enough to get through a 12 game schedule. Junior Jay Hollingsworth was the starter heading into fall camp, but was beaten out by sophomore Desmond Scott. After leading the team in rushing as a true freshman in 2009, Scott will enter the year as the starter and see plenty of carries. Redshirt-sophomore Patrick Kurunuwe has also had a good training camp and will compete for playing time. True freshman Josh Snead enrolled in January and impressed during spring practice, where he ran for 99 yards on just 9 attempts during the spring game. True freshman Juwan Thompson has also shown his speed during fall camp; both Snead and Thompson have already earned playing time as true freshmen, and may see their roles expand as the year progresses. “We’ve got to play a lot of people to stay fresh,” Coach Cutcliffe explained. All of the backs will likely see time on the kick return units as well.

Wide Receiver - In short, Duke is loaded at wide receiver. Duke returns All-ACC performer Donovan Varner, Freshman All-ACC performer Conner Vernon, and senior Austin Kelly. While all three starters were limited at times by minor injuries during training camp, younger players stood out and earned playing time of their own. Redshirt-sophomore Tony Foster demonstrated serious big-play capability; redshirt-freshman Tyree Watkins and redshirt-junior Josh Trezvant both showed off good hands and route-running. “We’re going to play the guys at receiver who have earned it,” Coach Cutcliffe stated last week. For the most part, the receivers were able to find good rhythm with QB Sean Renfree, which will be key for the offense to continue its prolific passing attack.

Tight End - Duke is also deep at tight end, where four players will play. Seniors Brett Huffman, Brandon King, and Danny Parker are joined by junior college transfer Cooper Helfet, who coaches have described as a tight end with wide receiver skills. In fact, Helfet played wide receiver in junior college and will line up in several different sets for the Blue Devils this fall. The depth at tight end will give Duke a lot of flexibility in their offensive sets. Expect to see all four tight ends receive significant playing time this year.

Backup Quarterback - With redshirt-sophomore Sean Renfree firmly entrenched as the starter, a battle ensued for the backup position, with true freshman Brandon Connette winning the job. “Brandon Connette is our backup and we’ll find some opportunities for him to play in certain situations,” Coach Cutcliffe announced after the last scrimmage of training camp. Connette’s ability to run with the ball has stood out in practices, and his arm accuracy should improve with experience. Redshirt-freshman Sean Schroeder has not yet taken the next step in his development from a year ago that the coaches were hoping to see, and likely will fall to third on the depth chart to start the year. True freshman Anthony Boone has also impressed with his elusiveness and poise, and will only improve as he continues to adjust to the college game. Expect Connette to see time early in the year to acclimate him to the college game, while keeping Renfree fresh.

Offensive Line - Duke is fortunate to return a veteran offensive line, where senior Bryan Morgan will anchor the group at center. Morgan has made 24 consecutive starts at center and is one of the leaders of this year’s team. Redshirt-freshman Perry Simmons stood out in training camp and may have beat out redshirt-junior Jon Needham at right tackle. Returning starters redshirt-sophomore Brian Moore, redshirt-senior Brandon Harper, and redshirt-junior Kyle Hill will fill out the starting line. Redshirt-senior Mitch Lederman, who started seven games in 2009, will also see time in the rotation. “We’re going to play a few more offensive lineman than you might normally play,” Coach Cutcliffe declared after the last scrimmage. Expect to see redshirt-freshman John Coleman and redshirt-sophomore Conor Irwin join the rotation up front early in the season.

Defense

Defensive Line - It’s no secret that the defensive line is one area where Duke lacks depth. In fact, senior linebacker Damian Thornton lined up at defensive end during parts of fall practice, and may play there in certain defensive schemes. Redshirt-seniors Patrick Egboh and Wesley Oglesby, along with redshirt-junior Charlie Hatcher are cemented in as the starters in the new 3-4 alignment, and will have to stay healthy and fresh. Redshirt-sophomore Kenny Anunike has transitioned nicely from tight end and will add depth to the rotation. Redshirt-freshman Sydney Sarmiento is recovering from knee surgery, but will play, along with redshirt-freshman Justin Foxx.

Linebacker- Duke’s defense will rely heavily on a trio of senior linebackers in Damian Thornton, Adam Banks, and Abraham Kromah. Their leadership and versatility will allow Duke to utilize creative defensive fronts to slow opposing offenses. They will be joined by sophomore Austin Gamble, who beat out redshirt-freshman Kevin Rojas for the fourth starting spot. Sophomore Tyree Glover and redshirt-freshman August Campbell have also looked good this August and will see plenty of action in Duke’s aggressive defense. Duke will play a deep rotation at linebacker.

Secondary - The secondary was the site of the most competition during 2010 training camp. The group is led by redshirt-senior Chris Rwabukamba and junior Matt Daniels. Redshirt-freshman Ross Cockrell beat out junior Johnny Williams for the starting spot at left cornerback, and junior Lee Butler held off redshirt-sophomore Jordan Byas at left safety. That being said, Duke will look to keep their playmakers on the field, so expect Johnny Williams to see playing time in all phases of the game this year. Also expect to see Duke rotate in several young speedsters into the secondary, including sophomore Zach Greene, sophomore Walt Canty, and redshirt-freshman Anthony Young-Wiseman.

Special Teams

Kicker - Redshirt-junior Will Snyderwine and senior Nick Maggio waged a competition during this year’s spring and fall training camps for the starting kicker job, and it has gone down to the wire. The field goal and place kicking  job will likely be finalized early this week.

Punter - Redshirt-senior Kevin Jones returns as Duke’s punter, and will be backed up by junior Alex King.

Kick/Punt Return - This was another fierce competition among Duke’s young, speedy playmakers, with little separation. Expect several players to be rotated through as return men at the start of the year, led by Desmond Scott, Josh Snead, and Juwan Thompson. Johnny Williams is likely to see time as the primary punt returner, but others may rotate in.