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.
BDN's look at offensive line prospects continues with a look at Lucas Patrick -
Lucas Patrick is a 6’4” 287 pound junior offensive guard from Brentwood, Tennessee. 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.
For his college choice, Lucas is “definitely looking for a good academic school.” He prefers a campus that is “not small, but has a real sense of community.” And of course, he’s looking to compete on the field for an elite football program. As an offensive lineman, Lucas says he has learned to value “camaraderie among the players - where everyone’s got your back.” He’s looking for a coach who will be a person and a coach, not just a disciplinarian on the field.
“I have a top list of schools, and Duke is the top right now,” Lucas said about the schools he’s considering. He’s received interest from Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee, and also holds offers from Duke, Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, and Arkansas. This spring, Lucas enjoyed visits to Duke, Cincinnati, and Vanderbilt.
While he is admittedly “not a city boy,” Lucas was impressed with the way the Bearcats “compete on every snap, and really try to get better every play.” Vanderbilt is his hometown school, just fifteen minutes down the road from Brentwood, and Lucas has developed a strong relationship with offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell, who he sees as a coach who can help to “lead in football and in life.”
After discussing football and faith with Duke offensive line coach Matt Luke and team chaplain Mitch Mitchell, Lucas felt strongly that Duke was a place where he would fit, but he 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,” he said of his visit to Duke for the spring game.
Lucas is in the first week of spring practice and is looking forward to visits from coaches during the spring evaluation period. He is waiting to hear how serious Tennessee is with their interest, and intends to make his college decision by the end of spring practice so that he can focus on his senior year. Lucas added that he definitely intends to attend Duke’s summer camp.
Mertz is expecting more offers in the near future.
Duke was the first school to offer a scholarship to Shane Mertz, a 6’8” 275 pound junior offensive tackle from Hazlet, New Jersey, and the offers have kept coming in. On Tuesday, he received an offer from Buffalo and on Wednesday, he received an offer from Rutgers, bringing his total to four, with several others showing interest. Coaches from North Carolina also visited him at Raritan High on Wednesday and left with video highlights from his junior year.
On the field, Shane is a fierce competitor who excels with sound footwork and natural athletic ability. Heading into his senior year, he’s working hard to “become a more complete, stronger player,” and he’s already gained 25-30 pounds this offseason. He takes great pride in his work in the classroom, and academics will be very important in his college choice. “I definitely want to be an engineer,” he added, “so I’m looking for a school with a really good engineering program.”
Shane is looking for a football program with prestige, and says that he plays his best under a coaching staff that will push him. “I would definitely prefer a more strict coach,” he said, “that’s what I’m used to - a staff that’s a pusher.”
Four schools have offered scholarships to the talented offensive line prospect, and Shane has been able to visit three so far this spring. Duke was the first school to offer and after visiting for their spring game, Shane said he “absolutely loved it there. The campus was great and I loved the whole coaching staff. That’s why I really want to go back.” Shane plans to visit Duke again in May for more of a “one-on-one visit.”
Maryland was the second school to offer the junior, and Shane has heard “nothing but great things about it. I’m really looking forward to visiting and am researching more about their engineering program.” Buffalo just offered a scholarship this week after Shane recently enjoyed a visit to campus for their spring game. Rutgers, the most recent to offer, is just 45 minutes from Shane’s home and is also his father’s alma mater. “He’s really been pushing me to be a big Rutgers football fan.” Shane plans to visit Rutgers again in May to meet with the coaching staff and learn more about their football and engineering programs.
Several other schools have shown increased interest this spring, and Shane is hoping to receive more offers in the coming weeks. Notably, UNC visited Raritan High this week; Shane hopes to impress his other suitors (which include Ohio State, Notre Dame, Northwestern, North Carolina, and Central Florida) through spring and summer camps and workouts. He plans to make his college choice around the end of the summer, but may wait until after his senior season so that schools have additional time to evaluate him.
Sean Renfree will be handed the ball to lead this seasons young Blue Devils team. BDN Photo
DURHAM - BDN takes a look back at spring practice with this audio clip from Sean Renfree, the Blue Devil projected starting quarterback. Renfree of course, sat out for most of the spring rehabilitating his season ending injury from a season ago. All eyes will be on Sean Renfree this season with the loss of four year starter Thaddeus Lewis.
Durham, N.C. - After 9 wins in his first two seasons at Duke, Coach David Cutcliffe and the 2010 Blue Devils will look to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 1994. Do they have the schedule to do it? As spring practices kicks off, BDN takes a first look at the 2010 Duke football schedule.
The Blue Devils return 40 lettermen, including 18 starters, from 2009's 5-7 team, which finished in 4th place in the ACC Coastal Division. Season tickets are on sale now for Duke's 7 home games in 2010 and can be purchased online at GoDuke.com or by calling (877) 375-3853.
The 2010 Blue Devils will play 7 of their 12 regular season games at Wallace Wade Stadium, highlighted by a September match-up with Coach David Cutcliffe's alma mater and reigning BCS National Champion, Alabama. Seven of Duke's 2010 opponents were bowl-eligible in 2009, including two BCS bowl teams in Georgia Tech and Alabama. Duke's lone FCS opponent, Elon, finished the season at 9-3 and was invited to the FCS playoffs, where they lost to Richmond, 16-13. Overall, Duke's 2010 opponents were 94-60 in 2009, which represents the third toughest 2010 schedule in the ACC.
September 4:Elon (2009: 9-3, 2nd place in Southern Conference, lost in 1st round of FCS playoffs to Richmond, 16-13)
The Phoenix will make the short trip up I-85 to Durham to kick-off the 2010 season. Elon is coming off the program's first ever FCS playoff invitation in 2009, in head coach Pete Lembo's fourth year with the program. The Phoenix finished 2009 ranked in the FCS top 10, but lost several key players from the team that finished second in the Southern Conference, including WR Terrell Hudgins, who was runner-up for the Walter Payton Award in his outstanding senior campaign (123 receptions, 1633 yards). Scott Riddle returns for his senior year as the team's quarterback, and junior RB Jamal Shuman returns after an impressive sophomore campaign during which he averaged 5.1 yards per carry. The Phoenix do lose several key seniors on both the offensive and defensive lines, so question marks will exist heading into the season opener. Elon fell at Wake Forest last season, 35-7, in the team's only game against an FBS opponent. Elon represents a quality FCS opponent, and one that the Devils will need to defeat to start off the 2010 season on the right track.
September 11: @ Wake Forest (2009: 5-7, 3-5 ACC)
Duke kicks off the 2010 ACC schedule early, with a rematch of last year's season finale against Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons defeated the Blue Devils on Senior Day in Wallace Wade Stadium, 45-34. While that game served as a celebration of the storied careers of senior QBs Thaddeus Lewis and Riley Skinner, this year both programs will start the season with question marks under center. The Demon Deacons lose 9 starters and return 49 lettermen from the 2009 team. Both the Devils and Demon Deacons will kick off the year against FCS programs in Week 1, thus this matchup will likely be the first true test for their young signal-callers and other new faces in 2010. Jim Grobe is 9-0 against Duke in his career at Wake Forest, though the two teams have produced some memorable games in recent years. Expect Grobe to have his team ready to play the Blue Devils after their opening Thursday night match-up with Presbyterian. This will be an important early season test for the young Blue Devils on the road.
September 18: Alabama (2009: 14-0, 8-0 SEC)
This game may already be the hottest ticket in Wallace Wade Stadium since the Rolling Stones a few years ago. The Crimson Tide faithful will try to be out in full force to see their reigning National Champions and Heisman trophy winner. It's important for the Blue Devils to have a good turnout both on and off the field in this one (plug: get your season tickets now), as this will be one of the highest attended and most covered games in recent Duke history. Alabama will, of course, be the heavy favorite in this matchup, but you can bet Coach David Cutcliffe will have a few tricks up his sleeve for his alma mater and SEC power. The Crimson Tide will be coming off a big home game against Penn State in Week 2, and they'll have to avoid a letdown against a fired up Duke team. There are several terrific storylines here: from Wallace Wade, whose statue stands outside the stadiums at both Duke and Alabama, to David Cutcliffe squaring off with his alma mater, to the appearance of a reigning national champion and Heisman trophy winner in Wallace Wade Stadium. You can be sure BDN will have lots more coverage on this game between now and September 18, so stay tuned and get your tickets now.
September 25: Army (2009: 5-7)
Army fell just short of a bowl bid in their first year under head coach Rich Ellerson and his option offense. In a Week 2 match-up at West Point last season, Duke defeated Army 35-19, behind the arm of QB Sean Renfree and the clutch play of CB Leon Wright. This will be the first of three match-ups against the option offense for Duke in 2010, and it will be important for the young Blue Devils to stay disciplined and focused after a much-hyped Alabama game. This is a game that Duke will need to win to improve their chance for a bowl bid, but Army will have revenge on their mind after last year's loss at West Point, and likely will have some momentum coming off two home games in Weeks 2 and 3.
October 2: @ Maryland (2009: 2-10, 1-7 ACC)
Not much went right for the Terrapins in 2009, including a 17-13 loss in rainy Wallace Wade Stadium in late October. Coach Ralph Friedgen will be on the hot seat in 2010, and while a return to bowl eligibility might be a stretch for the 2010 Terrapins, you can expect them to be a much improved team. The Terrapins will have a new signal caller in 2010, along with some new faces on both the offensive and defensive lines. The growth of these young players may determine the Terrapins' success, and the fate of the coaching staff. The Terps are fortunate to have a relatively easy start to their schedule, with a road match-up at West Virginia in Week 3 as their biggest early-season test. This will be the Blue Devils' first trip to College Park under Coach David Cutcliffe and, as we know, they will not be greeted kindly.
October 9 Open
The Blue Devils open date again falls in the middle of their season in 2010. They will have already played 2 ACC games in the first five weeks, both on the road. With regards to bowl eligibility, the Blue Devils would be wise to enter the bye week with at least a 3-2, if not 4-1, record. The first half of the schedule includes only 1 FBS 2009 Bowl team (albeit, the National Champions), but the second half includes 6 FBS 2009 Bowl teams. The Blue Devils will finish the year with 4 ACC home games, 2 ACC road games, and a non-conference road match-up with Navy.
Part 2 will be out next week - bookmark Blue Devil Nation for your next Duke Football coverage fix
Marcus Aprahamian is a 6’5” 300 pound junior offensive tackle from Brookfield, Wisconsin. In addition to his efforts on the gridiron, Marcus is also a varsity track (shot put and discus) athlete at Brookfield Central High School, which produced Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns. Marcus has been selected in the preseason Top 100 by Offense-Defense Sports, was named first team all-conference as a junior, and is generally regarded as the top 2011 offensive line prospect in the state.
On the sidelines and in the locker room, Marcus is a “great leader with great work ethic,” but on the field he is “quick and relentless.” He prides himself on finishing blocks, and continues to work to build strength and quickness heading into his senior year. This fall, he hopes to help lead his team to a conference and state title; personally, he would like to earn first team all-state honors in his senior year.
With a brother playing tight end at Dartmouth and his father a Princeton alumnus, academics will be an important component of his college choice. Like his father, Marcus has an interest in law, but is mostly looking for a school where he can picture himself and is able to connect with the coaching staff. Marcus would also like to have an opportunity to compete for playing time in his first year.
Marcus currently holds three BCS scholarship offers, two from the Big 10 and one from the ACC. He will visit Minnesota on April 24, and has already visited Indiana and Duke. Marcus was able to visit Indiana twice, attending a basketball game at Assembly Hall during one visit. Reflecting on his visits to Indiana, Marcus said he “loved it there, I really liked the big school environment.” He also added that one of his high school teammates is strongly considering the Hoosiers.
He was able to visit Duke on April 1, touring the campus and football facilities with Coach Luke from 11AM to 5PM. His mother flew in and was able to tour the campus again with him the following day. Of his visit to Duke, Marcus said, “I really saw myself there.” Unfortunately, Marcus was not able to meet with Coach Cutcliffe during his visit. Marcus hopes to finalize his college decision early in the summer and then attend summer camp at his future school.
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.
BDN's look at offensive line prospects continues with a look at Lucas Patrick -
Marcus Aprahamian is a 6’5” 300 pound junior offensive tackle from Brookfield, Wisconsin. In addition to his efforts on the gridiron, Marcus is also a varsity track (shot put and discus) athlete at Brookfield Central High School, which produced Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns. Marcus has been selected in the preseason Top 100 by Offense-Defense Sports, was named first team all-conference as a junior, and is generally regarded as the top 2011 offensive line prospect in the state.
You must be logged in to post a comment.